Clover as a Living Mulch and Green Manure

Clover is one of the most useful plants in a sustainable garden. It covers soil, suppresses weeds, attracts pollinators and, through nitrogen-fixing bacteria, adds fertility.

Living mulch

Sow clover under taller crops or in paths and orchard rows. It shades soil, reduces evaporation and protects against erosion. Regular mowing or strimming keeps it low and encourages fresh growth.

Green manure

Sow clover in empty beds after harvest. Let it grow, then cut it before it sets seed. The cut foliage can be left as mulch or dug in lightly. Roots and nodules release nitrogen as they break down.

Types of clover

• White clover — low growing, great living mulch, spreads by stolons.
• Red clover — deeper rooted, more biomass, excellent green manure.
• Crimson clover — fast winter cover in mild climates.
• Alsike clover — tolerates wetter, poorer soils.

Choose based on climate, purpose and how long you want the cover to stay.

Sowing

Sow in spring or early autumn when soil is warm and moist. Scatter seed thinly and rake in lightly. Clover seed is small; mix with sand or fine soil for even distribution. Keep watered until established.

Managing clover

Clover can become competitive with small plants. Keep it mown, grow it in paths or between rows, and cut it back before it smothers crops. It is easiest to manage when treated as a deliberate cover rather than a random weed.

Benefits beyond nitrogen

Clover flowers feed bees and other pollinators. Its taproots help break compacted soil. It tolerates foot traffic and poor conditions. For many gardeners, it is an essential soil-building tool.