Planting Instructions for Red Clover as Ground Cover
- Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- When to Plant: Sow Todd’s Seeds Red Clover for Ground Cover seeds in early spring after the last frost or in late summer to early fall, allowing at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost for establishment.
- Soil Prep: Loosen the top 2–4 inches of soil and remove weeds. Red clover prefers a soil pH of 6.0–7.0. Add lime if needed and mix in compost for poor soils.
- Seeding Rate: Use 1/2 to 1 pound of seed per 1,000 square feet.
- Sowing Depth: Broadcast seeds evenly and lightly rake into the soil to a depth of 1/4 inch. Do not bury deeply—seeds need light contact with soil.
- Watering: Water gently but thoroughly after planting. Keep soil consistently moist until germination (usually 7–14 days). Once established, red clover is drought-tolerant.
- Care: Mow lightly or trim as needed to control height and promote denser growth. Avoid mowing during flowering if growing for pollinators.
- Benefits: Red clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, suppresses weeds, and attracts pollinators. It can be tilled under as a green manure or left in place as a living mulch.