This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Ready to take your lawn game up a notch? Microclover is an excellent choice for achieving that perfect balance between greenery and low maintenance. Its small size makes it blend in seamlessly with other grasses, and its natural nitrogen-fixing properties act as a built-in fertilizer.
Keep reading to learn more about microclover: benefits, tips on use, and where you can buy it! We’ll cover the advantages of clover vs regular grass and the special benefits of using microclover specifically.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Microclover is a dwarf variety of Dutch white clover that is great for creating a uniform lawn without crowding out grass.
- It adds nitrogen to the soil, attracts pollinators, and is resistant to dog urine and de-icing salts.
- Microclover is more shade tolerant than white clover and serves as a rabbit repellent and weed suppressant.
- It is a great organic fertilizer alternative, reduces soil compaction, aids in water retention, and requires less maintenance compared to traditional lawns.
What is Micro Clover?
You can create a lush, low-maintenance lawn by mixing the dwarf variety of Dutch white clover with turfgrass, creating an aesthetically pleasing look while also providing numerous environmental benefits.
Microclover is a great choice for this kind of lawn due to its smaller leaves and slower growth compared to regular white clover.
When planting microclovers in your yard, it’s important to consider soil type and climate as they don’t tolerate drought or heat very well. It’s also advisable to prepare the area before planting by tilling in organic matter, such as compost, into the top few inches of soil for better root establishment and water retention capabilities.
Deep roots are essential for microclovers since they help protect against temperature fluctuations throughout different seasons and extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or long periods without any rain at all.
In terms of pricing comparisons between regular clover seed versus microclover seed, expect that you’ll be paying more money per pound when buying specialty seeds such as these.
Lastly, if rabbits have been known to cause trouble in your vegetable gardens, then adding some patches here or there could possibly even act as deterrents from them grazing on other plants nearby too!
Benefits of Micro Clover
If you’re looking for a secret lawn superhero, look no further than microclover. This low-growing dwarf variety of Dutch white clover is great for creating a uniform appearance in the yard without crowding out your grass.
It offers numerous benefits like adding nitrogen to the soil while also attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. With trifoliate leaves and smaller flowers that bloom only once per month during summertime, microclover is a versatile and attractive addition to any lawn.
Its cold hardiness down to USDA Hardiness Zone 3 makes it an excellent choice for many climates.
Microclovers are not just aesthetically pleasing; they can also be used strategically around gardens with rabbit issues. Their presence will help repel these pesky critters away from vegetables! While microclovers do require special care due to their sensitivity towards heat or shade tolerance and sandy soils, planting different varieties could help keep them vibrant throughout the year.
What’s more, mixing different types of clover together will create an eye-catching texture full of beautiful white flowers on top. This makes microclover a magical addition to your lawn when cared for properly over time.
Microclover Vs. Regular Clover
If you’re looking for an attractive addition to your lawn, consider the advantages of microclover versus regular clover. Microclover offers many of the same benefits as its larger counterpart, such as reducing erosion and crowding out weeds while adding nitrogen to the soil.
However, it has a slower growth rate and a more compact appearance than standard white clover without sacrificing any other benefits.
Benefits of Clover
You’ll reap major rewards when you incorporate clover into your lawn, as it adds nitrogen to the soil like a magical elixir. Microclover, specifically, is an excellent choice due to its tall fescue tolerance and resistance to dog urine.
It’s also more shade tolerant than widely-grown white clover, with smaller leaves that can shrink even further when mowed down.
Not only does it fix atmospheric nitrogen and conserve water, but microclover has the added benefit of attracting pollinators – making any yard look vibrant! Its small size means it won’t crowd out grass in turf areas while repelling certain pests away from vegetable gardens too.
With all these advantages combined into one plant species, it’s no wonder why many opt for microclovers over regular ones despite their slightly pricier cost tag.
Special Benefits of Microclover
Discover the special advantages of adding a low-growing, dwarf variety of clover to your yard for an extra boost! Microclover makes a popular lawn option due to its tall fescue tolerance and resistance to dog urine.
It’s also more shade tolerant than widely-grown white clover and has smaller leaves that can shrink even further when mowed down. Plus, it’s useful in fixing atmospheric nitrogen while conserving water at the same time.
To top it off, this eco-friendly ground cover attracts pollinators, making any yard look vibrant! Additionally, with different varieties available, you have options for filling bare patches or creating unique landscapes without breaking the bank.
Prices vary between $30 and $40 per pound, depending on whether they come coated or uncoated with an inoculant added for better plant growth.
Lastly, microclover’s hardiness zones range from 3 to 7, meaning you don’t need warm weather year-round to enjoy them. Unlike regular ones that are not as heat or shade tolerant, microclovers also do well under heavy foot traffic.
Disadvantages of Micro Clover
Although it offers many benefits to a lawn, micro clover has some disadvantages that must be taken into consideration. It is less tolerant of drought, heat, and shade than regular white clover, as well as being far more sensitive to foot traffic.
Moreover, it is also prone to southern blight disease in humid climates and can easily be affected by broadleaf herbicides if used incorrectly. Before investing in this type of grass seed for your lawn, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of using microclover instead of standard varieties.
Drought, Heat, Shade, and Foot Traffic Tolerance
Experience less stress with microclover – it’s tougher than regular clover when exposed to drought, heat, shade, and foot traffic! Microclover can tolerate close mowings better too.
Unlike white clovers, which require more water for growth in areas of extreme heat or cold climates, microclover is more resilient. It won’t attract as many pollinators as its larger counterpart, making it an ideal choice for those with bee sting allergies.
This low-growing variety is also resistant to rabbit attraction and has nitrogen-fixing capabilities that reduce the need for fertilizer applications. Furthermore, microclover does not grow well in sandy soil nor is it tolerant of broadleaf herbicides like traditional varieties, which are known to be sensitive towards them.
As a result of these benefits, combined with its ability to stand up against environmental conditions such as drought and shade, microclover is one smart choice when looking to add extra beauty while reducing lawn maintenance demands at the same time!
Disease Susceptibility and Sensitivity to Herbicides
Be mindful of disease susceptibility and herbicide sensitivity when considering microclover for your lawn – it’s not as resilient against these elements as regular clover!
Microclover is mighty but susceptible to southern blight in humid areas with warm night temperatures. Additionally, its tolerance to broadleaf herbicides is weaker than traditional varieties.
Despite this, the perennial plant offers many benefits such as attracting insects, reducing soil compaction due to its low-growing structure and root system that helps with water retention.
Using this type of clover can also lead to fertilizer reduction since it naturally produces nitrogen and helps suppress weeds through shading capabilities.
Planting a bed full of microclover, if done correctly, can provide these advantages.
The USDA hardiness zone 3 makes them cold hardy enough for most climates, and snow cover provides insulation on winter days, ensuring that your yard will look beautiful even during colder times!
Micro Clover Tolerates Regular Mowing
You can keep your lawn looking neat and tidy by mowing it regularly when using micro clover. This dwarf variety of Dutch white clover is able to tolerate close mowing better than standard white clover, making it a great choice for those who want an even look in their yard.
Before planting the seeds though, you should ensure that soil preparation and watering needs are adequate as microclover does not do well in sandy soils or drought conditions. For best results, mix some compost with a small amount of fertilizer into the soil before seeding your lawn mix with microclover seeds.
Additionally, if there’s an issue with grubs, then add nematodes to help reduce their population along with regular fertilization during the summer months. Microclover is also known to attract pollinators, so this should be taken into consideration if someone has allergies or wants minimal bee activity onsite.
Micro Clover and Organic Lawns
Enjoy the lushness of a low-maintenance lawn with organic benefits by adding some miniaturized clover to your garden. Microclover, a dwarf variety of Dutch white clover, is ideal for creating an even and uniform appearance in turfgrass lawns without crowding out grass.
It has smaller leaves than regular white clover but produces similar nitrogen fixation and pollinator attraction benefits as its larger counterpart.
Plus, microclovers are rabbit repellent and help lighten dense soils while also resisting dog urine and deicing salts!
For those seeking an organic fertilizer alternative to harsh chemicals or synthetic fertilizers, microclovers could be just what you need. With deep roots that penetrate into the soil profile better than most other grasses or ground covers do, it will reduce erosion while conserving water naturally too! Different varieties can also provide extra visual interest throughout all seasons, making them great for year-round landscaping ideas – plus they come in precoated packages that include inoculants to ensure healthy growth during the establishment phase as well as afterwards when cared for properly following maintenance instructions provided by the seed manufacturer label guidelines.
Microclovers may not tolerate heavy foot traffic nor stand up against droughts or heat waves like regular white clovers do, so if such conditions exist, consider mixing different species together instead of seeding one type only.
This would make the aesthetical outcome more diverse yet homogenous at the same time, providing protection from southern blight disease common in humid areas with warm night temperatures much better than the single varietal planting approach would otherwise offer.
All said, this highly versatile plant has many advantages over traditional turfgrasses, so why not give it a go?
Where to Buy Micro Clover
If you’re looking for an organic alternative to traditional lawn care, then consider adding some miniature-sized clover to your garden! Microclover is a dwarf variety of the common Dutch white clover that offers great benefits such as nitrogen fixation, pollinator attraction, and soil type improvement.
It’s also highly resistant to dog urine and deicing salts – making it an attractive option for those with pets. Plus, its small leaves make it less susceptible to broadleaf herbicides than regular white clovers.
Along with these advantages comes one major downside: southern blight disease can be problematic in humid areas with warm night temperatures – so make sure you select the right species when planting microclovers in certain climates or soil types.
There are numerous online sources of microclovers available, but prices vary greatly depending on coatings (such as inoculants) included; typically ranging between $30-$40 per pound.
Never Fear, Microclover is Here!
Experience a lush, low-maintenance lawn with the many benefits of this hardy perennial – Microclover! Microclover is a dwarf variety of Dutch white clover that is adaptable to different climates and soil types.
It also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies while repelling certain lawn pests. With its small leaves that can shrink even smaller when mowed, it offers a tidier look compared to regular white clovers.
Yet, it still provides continuous nitrogen production by fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
When considering the cost comparison between various varieties of clovers for your turfgrass lawns, you’ll find that planting microclover may be pricier than regular white clovers. However, it comes in coated or uncoated options, which include an inoculant for better plant growth as well as resistance against dog urine and deicing salts.
In addition to the advantages outlined above, Microgreen Microclove is also drought-tolerant down to USDA Hardiness Zone 3. It is also cold hardy, so why not give this miniaturized version a shot today? From reducing erosion and crowding out weeds to conserving water and offering organic sources of nitrogen without the need for harsh chemicals, it all seems worthwhile indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Microclover cost?
Microclover typically costs around $30 to $40 per pound, making it a pricier albeit specialty seed.
How can I prevent Microclover from flowering?
To prevent Microclover from flowering, mow your lawn regularly – like a painter delicately stroking their canvas. This will help keep the clover’s leaves small and reduce its bloom cycle so it will look tidier for longer.
Does Microclover attract bees?
Yes, Microclover attracts bees. Its flowers provide an attractive source of nectar and pollen for them to feed on. The presence of pollinators is beneficial in maintaining the health and productivity of the lawn.
Is Microclover tolerant of cold temperatures?
Yes, Microclover is cold hardy down to USDA Zone 3 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F. Its smaller leaves and slower growth make it better suited for colder climates than regular white clover.
Can Microclover tolerate heavy foot traffic?
Microclover is not as tolerant of heavy foot traffic compared to regular white clover. It may require more frequent mowing or other maintenance in areas with high amounts of foot traffic.
Conclusion
Are you ready to give microclover a try? Why not! There are plenty of benefits to be had. You’ll get beautiful, uniform turfgrass with fewer weeds and less need for harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s easier to mow and drought-tolerant. But beware of the pitfalls—disease susceptibility and sensitivity to herbicides.
Before you buy, make sure it’s the right fit for your lawn. With its unique advantages, microclover is the bee’s knees of lawn care.