How to remove clover from my flower gardens. - Ask Extension
I have tons of clover in my flower gardens and as much as I pull the greens and their white stems and seed pods, it still comes back. Is there somet...
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How to remove clover from my flower gardens. #272376
Asked August 23, 2015, 5:07 PM EDT
I have tons of clover in my flower gardens and as much as I pull the greens and their white stems and seed pods, it still comes back. Is there something I can put on my soil to eliminate just the clover? Thanks for your advice.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
If you are talking about white clover (an annual plant with white, pink-tinged flowers), controlling it will require an ongoing effort. Because clover seed has a hard seed coat that is very heat tolerant, composting and solarization are not as effective in reducing this seed's viability. The hard seed coat also allows the seeds to survive longer in the soil than many other weed seeds. Clover seeds can germinate over many years so it will require some vigilance to rid your flower gardens of it.
One way to prevent the seeds from germinating is to apply a thick layer of mulch (at least 3-4") to block out the light. That will help to prevent germination.
If there are some clover plants that germinate anyway, an effective way to rid your garden of it would be to use an herbicide with glyphosate as the main ingredient. One brand name that contains glyphosate is Roundup. There are other brands that are just as effective.
Glyphosate must be applied with great care because it is a non-selective herbicide and it will kill anything it comes in contact with. You might consider using a paintbrush to apply it to the leaves of the clover plant. Wait until the plant is growing vigorously and then apply with a paintbrush. Wait about a week, water well and then pull the dead clover plants out.
You can also use a greenhouse plant pot about 1 gallon in size for a shield if you want to spray glyphosate on the clover. Cut out the bottom of the pot. Put the pot down over the clover plants and spray inside the pot to apply the glyphosate. This will prevent it from drifting to your flowers.
Remember to carefully follow all directions on the bottle of herbicide.
Good luck!
One way to prevent the seeds from germinating is to apply a thick layer of mulch (at least 3-4") to block out the light. That will help to prevent germination.
If there are some clover plants that germinate anyway, an effective way to rid your garden of it would be to use an herbicide with glyphosate as the main ingredient. One brand name that contains glyphosate is Roundup. There are other brands that are just as effective.
Glyphosate must be applied with great care because it is a non-selective herbicide and it will kill anything it comes in contact with. You might consider using a paintbrush to apply it to the leaves of the clover plant. Wait until the plant is growing vigorously and then apply with a paintbrush. Wait about a week, water well and then pull the dead clover plants out.
You can also use a greenhouse plant pot about 1 gallon in size for a shield if you want to spray glyphosate on the clover. Cut out the bottom of the pot. Put the pot down over the clover plants and spray inside the pot to apply the glyphosate. This will prevent it from drifting to your flowers.
Remember to carefully follow all directions on the bottle of herbicide.
Good luck!
thanks for the informative reply. I appreciate all the different ways you gave for getting rid of the clover. Also, I received the reply in just one day - fast work for great advice.
