The Clover Lawn Phenomenon

Imagine stepping onto a lawn that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and low-maintenance - that’s the magic of planting clover seed to create a stunning ECO: Clover Lawn!

Its lush green foliage and delicate white flowers add a touch of natural beauty and provide numerous advantages to the grass in your garden and the wildlife that visit it. This is why clover in lawns has been a key part of traditional British gardens for centuries and is once again seeing a surge in popularity due to its pleasing looks, sweet-smelling flowers (that bees love) and how it benefits the planet.

Benefits of Planting Clover Lawn Seed

Cover is drought tolerant:

One of the standout qualities of clover is its exceptional drought tolerance. During periods of limited rainfall or a heatwave when there is likely to be a hosepipe ban, clover lawns maintain their vibrant colour and require less water than traditional grass lawns. This makes them a perfect choice if you want and low-maintenance, vibrant green garden lawn all year round.

Natural nitrogen fixation:

Clover is a legume plant, which means it has the unique ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for itself and neighbouring plants. This natural nitrogen fixation reduces the need for fertilisers, promoting a natural way to achieve healthier soil and lessening environmental impact.

A clover lawn is low-maintenance:

Clover lawns have a slower growth rate than grass, so you won’t need to mow it as often. The dense clover cover also inhibits weed growth, further decreasing maintenance efforts. The only mowing required is to keep the grass in the seed mix growing at the height you want.

Clover creates a pollinator paradise:

The delicate white clover flowers serve as a haven for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By sowing a clover lawn, you’re contributing to your garden’s aesthetics, supporting local ecosystems, and aiding biodiversity.

Eco-friendly choice:

Opting for a clover lawn showcases your commitment to sustainable landscaping. Reduced water usage and a smaller carbon footprint make clover lawns a smart choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Clover Lawn Seed: Planting and Care

Planting clover lawn seed is a straightforward process that doesn’t require a green thumb. Here’s a brief guide to get you started:

• Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any debris. Clover thrives in well-draining soil and will grow well in most soil types.
• Cultivation: Allow the seedbed to cultivate for 10-14 days to encourage weeds to come to the surface, then remove any weeds that appear by hand.
• Seeding: Scatter the clover lawn seed evenly over the prepared soil. Lightly rake the seed to ensure good soil contact.
• Watering: Regularly water the seeded area for the first 6-8 weeks to keep the soil moist until the clover and grass establishes. Your lawn will require less water once it’s established, and nature will do the rest of the watering for you.
• Mowing: When the clover reaches a height of around 4-6 inches, you can give it a light mow to encourage denser growth. After this, you can set your mower to its highest setting to trim the grass.
• Maintenance: Clover lawns are relatively low-maintenance. Avoid using lawn fertiliser and let the clover do its natural nitrogen-fixing work.

Adding Clover Seed to Your Lawn

The appeal of a clover lawn goes beyond its picturesque appearance. It represents a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping practices. By adding clover lawn seed to your garden, you’re making a conscious decision to contribute positively to your environment while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance yard.

So, whether you’re seeking a resilient lawn solution that benefits local wildlife or simply looking to reduce your lawn care workload, consider joining the green revolution and embracing the wonders of a clover lawn. Your garden – and the planet – will thank you.

For further reading, we have a guide on the best time to sow clover lawn seeds in the UK.

We also have a detailed resource that explores the differences and benefits of the grass species we use in our seed mixes.

And since our ECO: Clover Lawn, includes grass seed and the process for sowing is the same, our guide on how to sow grass seed is a helpful resource when planting clover lawn seeds.