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How to Grow Clover (Cover Crop)

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Clover (Cover Crop)

Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense, and other Trifolium spp.

grass

Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume commonly used as a cover crop to improve soil health and fertility. It establishes quickly, suppresses weeds, and provides organic matter when tilled back into the soil. Multiple species are available, each suited to different climates and soil conditions.

Looking for a specific variety?

White Clover Red Clover Crimson Clover Alsike Clover Hairy Vetch Dutch White Clover

When should you plant Clover (Cover Crop) in your zone?

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Example Clover (Cover Crop) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Clover (Cover Crop)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Clover (Cover Crop)

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clover (Cover Crop) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily preferred; tolerates partial shade
💧
Water: Moderate moisture during establishment (1 inch per week); drought-tolerant once established. Over-watering can promote disease.
📏
Spacing: Broadcast sow at 15-20 lbs per acre for cover crop; 2-3 inches between plants if row sowing inches
📅
Days to maturity: 30-60 days to useful ground coverage; 90-120 days for nitrogen accumulation
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil (seeds need light to germinate); do not bury deeper than 1/8 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or clay loam soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure for organic matter Lime if pH is below 6.0 Rock phosphate for phosphorus availability

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; species selection varies by region

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging; very delicate and vulnerable to frost or competition.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from heavy foot traffic and competing weeds. Avoid herbicides that kill legumes.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-8 weeks

Rapid development of trifoliate leaves and root system expansion. Plant becomes bushy and spreads via stolons (white clover) or upright growth (red clover).

Minimal intervention needed. Monitor for weeds and pests. Ensure adequate moisture during dry periods. No fertilizer needed due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Pink, red, or white flower heads develop depending on species. Indicates peak biomass and nitrogen fixation.

Allow to flower for maximum nitrogen accumulation and pollinator benefit. Do not cut or graze during this stage if nitrogen is the goal.

4

Maturity & Senescence

2-4 weeks

Flowers fade, seed pods develop, plant begins to decline as soil temperatures cool or drought stress occurs.

Terminate cover crop by tilling, mowing, or applying herbicide (if not organic) before seeds drop to prevent unwanted volunteers.

5

Decomposition & Soil Incorporation

2-6 weeks

Residue breaks down in soil, releasing nitrogen and organic matter; microbial activity peaks.

Till 4-6 inches deep to bury residue. Wait 2-4 weeks after tilling before planting main crop to allow decomposition and nutrient release.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Other legumes (hairy vetch, alfalfa) for nitrogen fixation Cereal rye or other grasses to prevent erosion and complement nitrogen uptake Buckwheat for weed suppression and bee forage Chicory for deep-rooting and nutrient cycling

Avoid planting near:

Crops sensitive to nitrogen accumulation in the short term Areas prone to extreme waterlogging (causes clover disease)

Common Pests

  • Mow regularly during the season; allow natural predators (parasitic wasps) to control populations; avoid monocultures of clover.

  • Crop rotation; encourage beneficial insects; avoid consecutive clover plantings in the same field.

  • Spray with water; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; tolerate light infestations as they rarely cause economic damage to cover crops.

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead irrigation; plant resistant varieties; allow for fallow periods before replanting.

  • and (fungal)

    Ensure proper drainage; avoid planting in waterlogged soils; rotate cover crops and host plants.

Uses

🏠

Soil Enrichment & Nitrogen Fixation

Household

Clover forms symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into plant tissue. When incorporated into soil, this nitrogen becomes available to subsequent crops, reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. [source]

🏠

Weed Suppression & Erosion Control

Household

Dense clover growth smothers weeds and reduces bare soil exposure, preventing erosion on slopes and in erosion-prone areas. Its broad leaves and spreading habit create a living mulch. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Food

Wildlife

Clover flowers are excellent nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It also supports parasitoid wasps and other natural pest predators. [source]

🍳

Forage & Livestock Nutrition

Culinary

High-quality, protein-rich forage for cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Can be grazed directly or cut and dried as hay. [source]

💊

Herbal & Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Red clover contains isoflavones and has been used in traditional herbalism for women's health and respiratory support. White clover is edible and mildly nutritious. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cover crops are typically not harvested for yield but terminated before the main crop is planted. Terminate when clover reaches flowering or early seed stage (90-120 days) to maximize nitrogen accumulation. Mow or till 4-6 inches deep to incorporate biomass. Wait 2-4 weeks after termination before planting sensitive crops to allow decomposition. For fodder use (grazing or hay), cut at early flower stage for optimal nutrition.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 A single clover plant can fix 5-10 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year without any synthetic fertilizer input—equivalent to applying 15-30 lbs of commercial nitrogen fertilizer.
  • 🌱 Clover is the national flower of Ireland and appears on the flag of several countries; its three-leafed structure ('shamrock') symbolizes the Trinity in Irish folklore.
  • 🌱 Some clovers produce four leaves instead of three due to a recessive genetic mutation, making them rarer and prized by gardeners as symbols of luck.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cover Crop Full Sun Partial Shade True Leaves
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