If you’re a Minnesota gardener or land manager looking to improve your soil and support pollinators, knowing when to plant clover in MN is your first step to success. Getting the timing right is crucial for strong germination and a healthy stand that can survive our tough winters.
Clover is a fantastic choice for lawns, pastures, and gardens across the state. It fixes nitrogen, reduces your need for fertilizer, and provides vital food for bees. But our distinct seasons mean there’s a specific window for planting. Let’s break down the optimal schedule so your clover thrives.
When to Plant Clover in MN
The best times to plant clover in Minnesota are during the cool seasons: early spring and late summer to early fall. These windows allow the seeds to establish in moderate temperatures before the stress of summer heat or winter cold sets in.
Spring Planting: Aim for mid-April to mid-May. You should plant as soon as the ground has thawed, dried enough to work without clumping, and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40°F. Spring rains usually help with germination, but you must watch out for completition from fast-growing spring weeds.
Fall Planting: This is often the most succesful method. Target late August through mid-September. Planting at this time allows clover to grow strong roots in the cool, moist autumn weather. It becomes well-established before going dormant for winter, then explodes with growth first thing in the spring.
Understanding Minnesota’s Climate Zones
Minnesota spans USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 5a. This affects your exact planting dates.
* Zone 3 (Northern MN): Opt for late spring (May) or early fall (late August). The shorter growing season means you need to avoid early frosts in fall and get a jump start in spring.
* Zone 4 (Central MN): You have a bit more flexibility. Spring planting can often start in late April, and fall planting can extend into early September.
* Zone 5 (Southern MN): You can try early April for spring planting and have until about mid-September for fall planting.
Always check a long-range frost date calendar for your specific town. A good rule is to ensure fall-planted clover has at least 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost.
Choosing the Right Clover Type for Minnesota
Not all clovers are the same. Picking one suited to our climate is key.
White Clover (Dutch Clover):
* Best For: Lawns, pathways, and as a living mulch in gardens.
* Characteristics: Low-growing, perennial, handles foot traffic fairly well.
* Planting Depth: Very shallow (1/4 inch).
Red Clover:
* Best For: Pastures, hay, and cover cropping in large gardens or fields.
* Characteristics: Taller, biennial or short-lived perennial, excellent for soil building.
* Planting Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Crimson Clover (Often used as an annual):
* Best For: A striking cover crop that attracts bees; it winter-kills in most of MN, providing winter soil cover.
* Characteristics: Beautiful red blooms, grows quickly.
* Planting Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Alsike Clover:
* Best For: Wet, poorly drained soils where other clovers struggle.
* Characteristics: Very cold-tolerant, good for northern parts of the state.
* Planting Depth: 1/4 inch.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Test and Prepare Your Soil. Clover isn’t too picky, but it prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can confirm this. Till or rake the area to create a fine, smooth seedbed. Remove large rocks and weeds clumps.
2. Inoculate Your Seeds. This is a non-negotiable step for healthy clover. Purchase a rhizobium inoculant specific for clover. It’s a powder that coats the seeds, enabling them to form the nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots. Without it, your clover won’t fix nitrogen effectively.
3. Mix with a Carrier. To help with even distribution, mix the tiny clover seeds with sand, sawdust, or a light soil amendment. This gives you more volume to spread evenly.
4. Broadcast the Seeds. Scatter the seed mixture by hand for small areas or use a broadcast spreader for larger plots. Split your total seed amount in half. Spread one half walking north-south, and the other half walking east-west. This ensures even coverage.
5. Press, Don’t Bury. Clover seeds need soil contact but light to germinate. After broadcasting, gently rake the area to cover seeds no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Then, use a lawn roller or simply walk over the area to press the seeds firmly into the soil.
6. Water Gently. Keep the seedbed consistently moist for the first 4-6 weeks. Use a fine mist to avoid washing away the tiny seeds. Water lightly daily if it doesn’t rain, until seedlings are about 2 inches tall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for.
* Planting Too Deep: This is the number one reason for poor germination. Clover seeds are tiny and cannot push through heavy soil.
* Skipping Inoculation: The inoculant is cheap insurance for a vigorous, nitrogen-fixing stand. Don’t assume your soil already has the right bacteria.
* Fertilizing with Nitrogen: Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers at planting. They will encourage weed competition. Clover makes its own nitrogen once inoculated. If needed, use a phosphorus-rich starter fertilizer to boost root growth.
* Poor Timing: Planting in mid-summer means battling heat and drought. Planting to late in fall means seedlings will be to tender to survive winter.
Caring for Your New Clover Stand
Getting the seeds in the ground is just the beginning. Proper care ensures it lasts.
Watering: Once established, clover is relatively drought-tolerant. However, during extended dry periods in the first year, provide about an inch of water per week.
Mowing: If you’re using clover in a lawn, mow it to about 3 inches high. This encourages dense growth and removes old flower heads if you prefer. In pastures or meadows, mow or trim after blooming to encourage new growth.
Weeding: In the first season, hand-pull aggressive weeds that might outcompete the young clover. Once clover forms a dense mat, it will naturally suppress many weeds.
Overseeding: For perennial clover lawns, overseed every 2-3 years in the fall to maintain a thick stand, as some plants naturally thin out over time.
The Benefits of Planting Clover in Minnesota
Why go through all this effort? The rewards are substantial.
* Soil Health: Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen, adding free fertilizer to your soil for surrounding grasses or future garden plants.
* Pollinator Support: Clover flowers are a major nectar source for honeybees, native bees, and other beneficial insects, whose populations need our help.
* Erosion Control: Its dense, mat-forming roots hold soil in place, preventing runoff on slopes or bare spots.
* Lawn Alternative: It stays green in summer droughts, requires less mowing, and never needs synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.
* Wildlife Forage: Provides excellent nutrition for deer, rabbits, and turkeys if your in a rural area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I just throw clover seed on the ground in Minnesota?
A: While “frost seeding” (broadcasting on frozen ground in very early spring) can work, simply throwing seed on established grass or unprepared soil usually gives poor results. For best results, ensure seed-to-soil contact by raking and pressing the seeds in.
Q: How long does it take for clover to germinate in MN?
A: With adequate moisture and soil temps above 40°F, clover seeds typically sprout in 7-14 days. Fall planting might see slightly slower germination as soil temperatures begin to cool.
Q: Is clover perennial in Minnesota?
A: White and red clover are perennial and will come back each year in Minnesota, though they may thin after 2-3 years. Crimson clover is an annual and will not survive our winters.
Q: What is the best clover for a Minnesota lawn mix?
A: Micro-clover or small-leaved white clover is ideal for mixing with lawn grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. It blends well, stays low, and enriches the soil for the grass around it.
Q: Can I plant clover in the summer in Minnesota?
A: It’s not recommended. Summer heat, drought, and intense competition from weeds make establishment very difficult. Waiting for the optimal fall window is always better than a summer attempt.
By following this timing and guidance, you can establish a beautiful, resilient clover plot that benefits your Minnesota soil, local wildlife, and your gardening goals for seasons to come. Just remember the golden rules: plant shallow, inoculate, and choose the right season for your region.