For scores of gardeners, the lawn stands as their crowning glory in summertime, representing the fruits of their toils in the spring.
It’s no wonder then that any interloper amongst the sea of green is generally given short shrift – clover included.
Despite its pluses for the environment – think nitrogen-enriching roots that are a boon for surrounding grass, its resilience during arid conditions, and its blossom attracting pollinators – clover’s ability to muddle up a flawlessly even lawn doesn’t win it many fans.
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White clover, often spotted adorning British gardens, has a knack for invasive spreading that may quickly take over your turf if neglected. This bloomer struts its stuff from May to October, with the rare gem of a four-leaf clover occasionally making an appearance.
Yet, contrary to what some might assume, clover expulsion needn’t involve harsh chemicals.
As reported by the Express, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) asserts that simple horticultural methods stand out as the best course of action, particularly as clovers, trefoils, and medicks often scoff at many selective herbicides targeted at lawns, reports the Mirror.
The RHS advises: “As non-chemical control methods are effective, even if time-consuming on large lawns, there is no need to use a weedkiller.”
Natural tactics to bid farewell to clover include forking up rooted segments and the core plant when the earth hardens during parched periods, ensuring you eradicate the roots entirely.
The RHS endorses this as a “good, easy option for quick results on small areas of lawn.”
However, when applied to larger expanses, you may find the need to reseed when autumn arrives.
Give it a rake.
A simple way to eliminate unwanted growth from your grass is to gently rake over problem areas before mowing. This method raises the stems, aiding your mower in cutting down more of the stubborn growth.
With persistence, the RHS notes that this tactic can “weaken” individual plants and prevent them from spreading seeds. They warned: “Make sure to rake up and remove clippings containing clover to stop plants shedding seed or re-rooting.”
Feed your grass.
The nourishment for your lawn comes from the soil below, so ensuring top-notch soil health is key to keeping unwelcome plants away.
By feeding the soil to enhance its quality, you can maintain a robust lawn. Gardening experts at Moowy suggest fertilising your lawn three to four times a year: in spring, early summer, late summer, and one last application in autumn.
-Credit:Getty