DESCRIPTION
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Growing Non-GMO Clover Trio Cover Crop Seeds
Sow at .5 lbs to 2lbs per 1,000 square foot. Scatter or broadcast seed at the recommended rate and lightly rake in and tamp the soil down firmly on top. Water in at the time of planting and then regularly throughout its life if natural rainfall is insufficient. Clover will tolerate drought conditions, but slow its growth in extremely hot weather. It can also withstand temperatures into the negative 20s (Fahrenheit) making it very resilient.
Because this clover mix is used as both a long term perennial ground cover and a short term cover crop for soil improvement, know before you grow. This crop may be terminated whenever you would like following at least 30 days of growth. Be sure to allow at least 3 weeks before growing anything following its termination. Time is needed to allow the plant matter to decompose. This mix will not winter-kill. To terminate organically, disrupt the root system. One of the most effective ways is by tilling. Mowing will not kill these clover crops. In fact, the White Dutch clover included in this mix is commonly mixed with grass seed because it is soft and similar in height to common lawn grass. If allowed to flower, you may see volunteers return to the garden after termination.
It may also be grown as an intercrop. An intercrop is a plant grown to produce benefits such as nitrogen fixation while growing another crop in the same space or beside it. This trio clover mix is popularly used as an intercrop with fruit tree orchards or as a ground cover for pathways next to garden rows because of its ability to add nitrogen to the soil, reduce erosion, and create favorable working conditions. With the soil stabilized by the clover ground cover, growers can enjoy a cooler environment and avoid muddy soil. For long-term growth, simply mow when the clover gets taller than you would like.
Benefits of the Clover Trio Cover Crop
Clover is a nitrogen fixator and will rejuvenate the soil with nitrogen. Clover is also great for green manure and organic matter. It is especially attractive for wildlife and is often chosen for forage and food plotting. The variety of beautiful flowers in this mix is attractive as well as functional. Expect this mix to attract wildlife, including valuable pollinators.
About the Clover Trio Cover Crop Seeds
Perennial cover crops can be left in place as long as needed. There is no pressed timeline on terminating them if there are no plans to grow in that space immediately. The clover roots will remain in the soil, preventing erosion and replenishing nitrogen.
Use this mix to preserve and improve the soil health of your garden or field between crops. It may also be used as feed for appropriate animals.
This high-quality mix can be terminated at any time.
This cover crop needs to be terminated at least 3 weeks before growing a crop for harvesting.
Clover Trio Cover Crop Mix
Crop |
Scientific Name |
Percent of Mix |
Crimson Clover
|
Trifolium incarnatum |
35% |
White Dutch Clover
|
Trifolium repens |
35% |
Medium Red Clover
|
Trifolium pratense |
30% |
* This mix does not contain any inoculant.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
See description tab
|
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
Perennial - Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
Days to Maturity: |
60-90 |
Days to Germination: |
2-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
Lightly covered |
Plant Spacing: |
Broadcast, lightly rake into soil |
Row Spacing: |
N/A |
Plant Height: |
6-36 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright, spreading. |
Temperature Preference: |
65-80 degrees F |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Other
Plant Width: |
Varies |
Cover Crop Soil Benefits: |
Cover cropping, in general, prevents soil erosion and improves soil quality so that your main crop can grow to its full potential. It improves the mycelial network that is present in any healthy soil as well as the overall nutrient content from season to season. Instead of letting your fields lie fallow, cover crop them to preserve the soil for the following planting season. Cover crops can be used in between growing seasons or as an intercrop for growing at the same time as other plants. |
Pests and Diseases: |
Cover crops prevent pest issues by encouraging predator bugs or beneficial insects (the ones that kill the bugs that eat or otherwise harm your crop). This can interrupt the life cycles of pests that could decimate your preferred crop. Cover crops also suppress weeds and prevent them from getting out of hand. Incorporating cover crops provides biodiversity that helps disrupt pest life cycles and maintains balance among nutrients, pests, and more. |