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using clover seed instead of grass seed for lawn? #757301

Asked June 20, 2021, 1:16 PM EDT

We are wondering if there is a variety of clover that can be planted in areas of our lake lot instead of grass? We live in NE MN by a lake. Does clover require fertilizer that will harm the lake with run off? Are there disatvantages to planting clover in our yard? How much sun does it require? Will it come up every year? Is it hardy with dogs?

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

 Dutch White clover (Trifolium repens) is often grown with grass because clover is able to fix nitrogen for use by the grass. The state of MN wants more homeowner to add white clover to their yards because it is beneficial to pollinators. White clover is best planted from July 25 to Aug. 15 at a rate of 5 to 8 pounds per acre. It is used as an indicator plant to identify low nitrogen levels in lawns. White clover is adapted to soils and regions, which have a constant supply of moisture. It has a very shallow root system and no drought tolerance. It does not do well in sandy soil clover tolerates mowing. It is not hardy in your area without snow cover.

https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators https://www.ecowatch.com/minnesota-to-pay-bee-friendly-lawns<personal data hidden>.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltit...

https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/floweringlawninfoenrtflogo.pdf

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/05/30/program-to-help-minnesota-homeowners-make-their-lawns-bee-...

https://extension.umn.edu/forage-variety-selection/forage-legumes#white-clover--909162
https://mccc.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ManagingCoverCropsProfitably_whiteclover.pdf

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/broadleaf/creeping/whiteclover.html

https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/smart-garden-2020-how-to-plan-bee-lawn.html

https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied June 20, 2021, 2:47 PM EDT

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