I’ve been reading about this, it sounds like there’s a movement of people that are planting Clover in their lawns purposefully instead of adding chemicals since the clover adds nitrogen naturally to the soil and coexists pretty well with the grass to crowd out weeds.

Apparently before 1950 or so clover seed was considered standard in most grass seed mixes and it was something people wanted in their lawn and did not look at as a weed. Then the lawn fertilization/treatment industry was born post WWII and clover became an undesirable “weed”.

I was thinking about maybe sowing in some Dutch clover seed and seeing what happens, I really don’t have the time or energy to be doing the whole lawn fertilizing thing to be honest, I actually just hired a service to cut my grass that’s how little free time I have with three young children.

What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone tried this?

Yes, starting three years ago I have planted clover (micro and Dutch) in our lawns at both my house in western Washington and my daughter's house in eastern Washington.

We have been chemically free in yards for nearly 40 years (because of children and pets paying in the yard) ... with the exception of using baking soda on the yard and roof to get rid of the moss.

I learned that clover seeds need to have actually contact with the soil to germinate. If just sprinkled over existing grass the seeds are very small and will not get down to the soil level. Helps a lot to thatch the lawn first.

Best decision we ever made.

I planted Mom and Dad's house with a combo of grass and clover, almost a half acre of it.

Worked out very well.

I don't know about the different types of clover, but the stuff we have in Kansas will spread and completely take over a yard.

I have an easement, at the back of my property, and I have thought many times about putting some clover back there for the bees. The only thing holding me back is that I don't know if I could keep it back there.

No, but i have it and love it. Helps out the bees and looks good.

I've said for years that I'd like to see all my grass die, so I could plant clover. It's maintenance free, stays low to the ground, rarely needs mowed, and it helps the bees.

Yea, it was SOP around here back when my Dad was building houses back as far as I can remember. White clover.

We planted clover on our ranch. I forget why it’s a good thing. Plants and I don’t get along. But Mrs DF says clover is awesome so I broadcast planted 50 lbs of it last fall.

quote:

Has Anyone Ever Purposefully Planted Clover In Their Lawn?

My Dad did back in the late 1970s on a large area on his property around a shop he built. Years later it eventually turned to mostly grass. I'm guessing the grass from his lawn around the house was more dominant and took it over.

I didn't purposely plant it, but I have clover in my yard. I like it.
I like to watch the bees going from flower to flower, and it's good for them because I don't put any chemicals on my lawn (and that's because I'm convinced the weed killers caused my previous dog's lymphoma which killed him).

Where did you guys buy your clover seeds? Local farm store? Online?

Local feed store usually carries it. Helps if you live in a rural or farming area.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Where did you guys buy your clover seeds? Local farm store? Online?

Around here the local farm stores usually have it.

I got 5 acres of it in my back yard.

I have purposefully purposely planted 15 acres of clover, but not in a lawn. Does that count? Deer love clover.

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
I didn't purposely plant it, but I have clover in my yard. I like it.
I like to watch the bees going from flower to flower, and it's good for them because I don't put any chemicals on my lawn....

Same here.In certain sections it's practically all clover. Some years ago my friend told me how good clover is and that it transfers nitrogen from air to the ground. All legumes such as locust trees, beans, etc. do this.

Be careful to get purely clover seeds. I have a friend that bought seeds with 'sticker' weed in it-the one that looks like a little sea mines.

I did a few years ago when I tilled up everything and planted a mix of clover and grass. I love it, and wish I would have done pure clover in the front. In the back, where there is more traffic with the dog playing, clover didn't really keep up to well, then again, most of the grass hasn't either.

I have a well established zoysia grass lawn that started with a few plugs in the early 80's and has taken over my whole lawn, including parts that NEVER had grass. Also half my neighbors lawn. lol

If I didn't, I would plow up the whole damn lawn, get rid of all the grass and plant straight clover. I plan on doing that with my back yard that currently has no grass. (sand and stone from a former pool area)