Creating A Mirco Clover Lawn
Detailed Steps for Establishing a Microclover Lawn
The cultivation of a microclover lawn from seed is best embarked upon during the early autumn months, ideally starting from September. By doing so, you take advantage of the cooler weather and increased moisture content in the soil which aids in the germination of the seed.
The first and foremost task in this process is to prepare the ground for sowing. This entails levelling the area, which can be achieved using a landscape rake or a lawn roller to ensure an even terrain for your microclover.
The next step involves a proactive weed control measure. Let any latent weed seeds germinate for a week or two, then proceed to remove these undesired plants. This could be done manually or using a broad-spectrum herbicide like Roundup, ensuring your plot is devoid of competing plant species.
Following this period, the area should be raked using a fine rake or tiller. This step not only helps in removing all the large stones and other debris but also contributes to the production of a fine tilth on the surface of the soil. A loose, crumbly soil structure is crucial for seed germination and root development of the clover.
Now comes the critical part – sowing the clover seeds. Disperse about half a handful of clover seeds per square metre. The seed should then be lightly raked into the soil to ensure it’s not easily displaced. In case of dry soil, consider rolling the area or lightly treading in the seed with your feet. The main aim is to ensure the seed makes good contact with the soil, as it prevents the seed from drying out and promotes germination.
Upon sowing the seeds, a vital requirement is to maintain soil moisture. Water the area sufficiently but avoid waterlogging, especially in the first 14 days post-seeding. As the clover starts germinating, promptly deal with any weeds that appear. These can be spot treated with Roundup weed killer or manually removed to prevent competition for resources.
If your soil is rather stoney, consider rolling the ground after about a month, once the clover has started to germinate. This practice helps to push the stones back into the ground, preventing them from hindering the growth of the clover.
Eight weeks after sowing, your clover should be ready for its first mow. Utilise a rotary mower on its highest setting to avoid damaging the young clover plants.
Regarding nutrition, one of the benefits of growing clover is that it self-fertilised by fixing nitrogen from the air through symbiotic bacteria in its roots. This means that clover lawns typically do not require additional feeding. However, if the clover is establishing slowly, you might consider supplementing with a balanced fertiliser like Growmore at a rate of half a handful per square metre. This will provide a boost to the growth and development of the lawn, helping it achieve the desired lush green cover.
Gardening course for beginners as gift for the gardener in your life
One day gardening courses especially created for beginners run in your own garden by the GardenAdvice expert gardeners throughout the UK booked on a day to suit you including weekends.
