One of the most important things to know when to sow clover lawn seed in the UK is you will need consistent temperatures of 8-10 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two weeks after sowing. As mentioned, alongside a forecast that doesn’t predict hot weather and heatwaves - or the other end of the spectrum - frost, snow, or flooding. While many envision spring or summer as the best times to sow clover seeds, early autumn also offers numerous advantages for planting a clover lawn in the UK.

Our video on how to sow grass seed gives you a step-by-step process for sowing grass seed that is the same process for sowing or over seeding with clover:

Why sow clover seeds in spring?

Mid-spring is an ideal time to sow clover lawn seeds because the UK weather this time of year is great for growth! Sowing clover seed in spring also gives you a project after the cold, dark winter months that will flourish with beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers in the months that follow!

• UK spring weather is mild but warm. These conditions are perfect for clover seeds to germinate, and there are usually plenty of spring showers, which will do much of the watering for you.
• Sowing in spring means your clover lawn will be fully established by summer, so you can enjoy the UK weather when it’s at its best.
• Temperatures will often be at least 8-10 degrees. When forecast for at least two weeks, this provides the perfect growing temperature for growing grass and clover.
• Once the temperatures are ideal for seeding, you may decide to sow a new clover lawn from scratch if you’ve recently moved into a new house, or you may want to overseed your existing lawn.

Why is autumn a good time for sowing clover seeds?

During the late summer and autumn months of August and September, the UK weather provides weather conditions perfect for clover seed germination. With ideal sowing conditions in place, here are some additional benefits of clover seeding in autumn:

• Abundant rainfall means less watering! Autumn forecasts often include frequent rain, relieving you from the task of having to water your newly sown clover seeds.
• Weed growth slows down. The milder autumn months create less favourable conditions for weeds to flourish, giving your clover seeds a better chance to establish themselves.
• Preparing for spring. You’ll have a vibrant lawn ready for the following spring and summer, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
• Fewer birds around to steal your seed! Migration and bird feeding during winter reduce the risk of birds snacking on your freshly sown clover seeds.

Tips for sowing a clover lawn

If these benefits have convinced you of the best time to sow clover seeds and you already know how much clover seed you need, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

For sowing a new clover lawn:

• Dig the soil over to a depth of 20-25cm.
• Remove any weeds by hand or use a Feed, Weed and Mosskiller if necessary.
• Rake the area thoroughly to create a level seedbed.
• Allow the seedbed to cultivate for 10-14 days to encourage dormant weeds to come to the surface, then remove any weeds that appear by hand.
• Sow the clover seeds at a rate of 50g per m2 using a seed spreader or your hand.
• Gently rake the seeds into the soil after sowing.
• Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by firmly pressing down with your foot or a roller.
• Afterwards, lightly rake the area again to cover the clover lawn seeds and adequately water the newly sown seeds for the next 6 to 8 weeks

For overseeding an existing clover lawn:

• Remove any dead grass, weeds, or moss by scarifying or raking the area.
• Rake the area thoroughly to ensure loose soil and a level seedbed.
• Allow the seedbed to cultivate for 10-14 days to encourage dormant weeds to come to the surface, then remove any weeds that appear by hand.
• Sow the clover seeds at a rate of 35g per m2 using a seed spreader or your hand.
• After sowing, rake the seeds gently into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
• Improve seed-to-soil contact further by lightly firming the area using your foot or a roller.
• Finally, lightly rake the area again to cover the seeds and water the area well.

Aftercare when sowing clover seed in the UK

We have included some further reading below to help you get the best from your clover lawn seed and ensure you know when to sow clover seeds in the UK.

• Tips for sowing clover lawn seed
• How to grow a clover lawn
• Maintaining a clover lawn

If you have any questions about our ECO: Clover Lawn seed or would like to discuss the process of clover seeding, then please get in touch, and we will happily help you achieve the garden you’ve been dreaming of.