Garden Q&A: Can I prevent clover from taking over my lawn?
Clover is an important plant as it traps nitrogen and fixes it to the soil, says Peter Dowdall. File picture
I seeded a new lawn this summer, but I see some clover getting a hold of it. How do I control this?
My first piece of advice when it comes to clover is to learn to love it. I used to say that rather sheepishly and nervously when I first started out in my career back in the 20th century — now I shout it from the rooftops as it is a very important plant.
It’s important as it traps nitrogen from the air and fixes it into the soil. The flowers too are not just lovely to look at but also important for our pollinating insects.
Every lawn is as individual as the lawn owner. If you want golf course perfection, then prepare to spend a lot of time, money and chemicals on the lawn. But if you are happy with an area that looks green and kids can play on it then I would suggest some clover is fine. However, if you do want to get rid of it, at this stage, it shouldn’t be too widespread and you can simply remove it by hand with a hand trowel.
Alternatively, you could smother it with some cardboard or newspaper, cover it with fresh soil and seed over it in March.
Healthy grass growth is the best way to prevent weeds from colonising the lawn. You can achieve this by ensuring the correct soil pH, perhaps adding some lime, scarifying once a year, and keeping the lawn well aerated.
- Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email gardenquestions@examiner.ie
