White clover: varieties, growing and uses

Choose it for a longer green stage

Low growth can suit a temporary resting bed or carefully managed underplanting. Do not promise that every vegetable grows above it without competition. Clover also uses water, space and light. A clear root zone may suit a vulnerable newly planted crop better. Compare the crop's response in a trial patch and keep clover away from a bed where you intend to sow fine seeds soon.

Monitor growth rather than expecting only nitrogen

White clover is a legume and can fix nitrogen through root nodules. The amount and availability to other plants depend on growing conditions and management. It is not a fixed fertiliser application you can automatically deduct from every growing recommendation. Flowers may attract insect visits, but check where you walk and work. Also note how you intend to remove the cover later. Clover cover lasting years without an end plan does not automatically suit a garden rearranged each spring.

Scent, flavour and use

This offering is intended for ground cover and flowering, not unlimited edible clover harvesting.

Care, cutting and harvesting

Sow Trifolium repens according to the chosen batch in a sufficiently moist, fine seedbed. Do not let the low cover compete unchecked with small vegetable plants.

Maintenance and termination are different actions; a mown living mat is not an empty seedbed.

Mowing can maintain cover; for a following vegetable crop, you must actually terminate the clover. Perennial growth calls for a deliberate plan.