How to Mix Clover in a Lawn

Until the 1950s, you found Trifolium repens, a European perennial better known as white or Dutch clover, in lawn-seed mixes. White clover makes a soft ground cover and it also absorbs air nitrogen, transferring it to the soil. That natural chemical process results in a green patch that does not require the gobs of fertilizer grass lawns do. Many people consider clover a weed nowadays. Seed companies no longer mix the flowering plant with grass mixes. But that shouldn't keep you from over seeding your home lawn with clover.

Lawn mower
Power rake
Metal rake (optional)
White clover seeds
Sawdust or compost, as needed
Rake, metal or plastic

Instructions

- 1
  Mow the lawn to the shortest height possible and power-rake it. Power rakes have vertical prongs that cut the ground into grooves for good seed-to-soil contact. Alternatively, scratch the ground hard with a metal rake to loosen the surface.
- 2
  Sow 1/4 to 1/2 lb. of clover seeds per 1,000 square feet over the existing grass. Mix the small seeds with sawdust or compost if it is hard to broadcast them evenly. Either substance is heavy enough to act as a carrier. They also add organic matter to the ground.
- 3
  Rake the area lightly to drop clover seeds caught among the grass blades to the ground surface.
- 4
  Water the seeded area daily for two weeks to promote germination and strong root establishment.

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