Plant Clover Lawns Instead of Grass
Clover lawns instead of grass are a great alternative for anyone looking to lower lawn maintenance. They are easier to grow, require less watering and mowing, and are more eco-friendly. They are also good for pollinators and other beneficial insects. If you are not ready to make the switch, you can still help by reducing your usage of chemical pesticides and insecticides.
Clover is a legume that takes nitrogen from the air, sinks it into the ground, and provides food for other plants. This is especially important for wildlife and pollinators. It can also help you achieve a colourful and vibrant lawn that requires little effort. Using clover in your lawn can also reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
If you want a lawn with less work but a colourful look, you can plant clover and mix it with other types of grass. There are many different grass seed mixes available that have clover in them. The best way to choose the right mix is to consult a landscape professional. Most experts recommend a ratio of about twenty percent clover to eighty percent grass seed. You can also use a fescue mix for a drought-resistant lawn.
Clover is a versatile plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It can handle heavy shade and heat and is also a good choice for cooler climates. Its flowers provide a great show, and they attract pollinators. However, clover does not have the resilience of other turf grasses. In cold winter areas, pure clover can go dormant and leave bare patches. This is why most gardeners and landscape designers prefer mixing clover with grasses. Adding grass to the mix will help keep your lawn looking good until the spring.
You can mix clover with other types of grass, like fescue, zoysia, and Kentucky bluegrass. These turfs will make your lawn more resistant to weather and foot traffic. You can even use a fescue mix to over-seed your current grass. You can also plant clover in your lawn as a companion plant, which can help other plants thrive.
A clover-grass mix may be a good choice if you live in an area with harsh weather. The clover roots reach deep into the soil and fix nitrogen, which helps the grass grow. You won’t need to use any additional fertilizers or aeration to keep your clover green. It can also help you create a low-mow, drought-resistant lawn.
While the benefits of clover in your lawn are well documented, it’s important to remember that clover isn’t a perfect substitute for traditional grasses. It’s not as hardwearing as grass and is not very resistant to pests. It might not be as attractive as other turf varieties, but the colours of clover varieties can vary, so if you aren’t interested in green, you can try mint or purple varieties.
A clover lawn is an eco-friendly way to help pollinators, reduce the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers, and save water. Contact your local garden centre to find out what types of clover work best in your region.
