Crimson Clover is a cover crop that works great as a ground cover for weed suppression and erosion control. Because clover is a legume, it fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and adds it to soils, improving soil nutrient quality. Crimson clover can fix up to 200 lbs of nitrogen per acre. This makes it a perfect cover crop to rotate before corn or other heavy-feeding vegetable crops. It also works nicely as a green manure that can be incorporated into garden soils in early spring, which will increase organic matter and make soils more workable. Clover seed can be broadcast or direct-seeded with a walk-behind seeder.
Crimson Clover should be planted in fall a month or two before the average frost date. This will allow enough time for the clover to grow and establish ground cover before cold temperatures arrive. Clover will remain mostly dormant throughout the winter and resume growth early in the following year. In a vegetable garden situation, clover should be cut before going to seed. This will prevent any weed issues in the following years.
Clover should be planted in the fall a month or two before the average frost date. This will allow enough time for the clover to grow and establish ground cover before cold temperatures arrive. In a vegetable garden situation, clover should be cut before going to seed. This will prevent any weed issues in the following years. To remove clover in spring, it can be mowed or grazed. We suggest using chickens, goats, or other livestock to graze the clover while adding additional nutrients to your garden soil. If mowed, clover can be tilled into the soil immediately to add organic matter or “green manure”. It can also be mowed and left on top of the soil to suppress weeds until planting time.
Crimson Clover Planting Information:
Season: Cool
Planting Depth: 1/4″
Seeding Rate: 1 lb per 1,000 sq. ft.
Cover Crop Recommendation Chart
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