When To Plant Clover In Pa

If you’re wondering when to plant clover in PA, timing is the most important factor for success. Pennsylvania’s varied climate means you have two great windows: spring and fall. Getting the timing right ensures your clover establishes strong roots, outcompetes weeds, and becomes a lush, beneficial part of your lawn or garden.

This guide will walk you through the optimal dates and methods for both seasons. We’ll cover soil prep, seed selection, and aftercare so you can enjoy a thriving clover plot.

For Pennsylvania gardeners, the best times to plant clover are during the cool, moist periods of the year. Fall is generally the top choice, but spring can also work well with careful planning. The goal is to avoid summer’s heat and winter’s deep freeze, giving the seeds perfect conditions to sprout and grow.

Why Fall Planting is Often Best

Fall is the premier season for planting clover in Pennsylvania. The cooler temperatures and reliable rainfall create an ideal environment. Weeds are less aggressive in the fall, giving your clover seedlings a better chance.

Here are the key advantages:

Consistent soil moisture from autumn rains.
Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants.
Less competition from annual weeds.
Roots establish before winter, leading to explosive spring growth.

Optimal Fall Planting Dates

For most of Pennsylvania, aim to plant clover between August 15th and October 1st. This window is crucial. Planting too early risks summer heat stress. Planting to late risks the seedlings not being established enough before a hard frost.

Northern PA (Zone 5): August 15 – September 20.
Central PA (Zone 6): August 25 – September 30.
Southern PA (Zone 7): September 1 – October 10.

The target is to have the clover about 6 inches tall before the first killing frost. This gives it the stored energy to survive winter.

The Spring Planting Alternative

Spring planting is your second option. It can be successful, but it comes with more challenges, like faster-growing weeds and the impending summer heat. You must time it precisely.

The key is to plant as early as the soil can be worked. This is not when the air is warm, but when the ground thaws and dries enough that it’s not a muddy clump. For most of Pennsylvania, this is typically late March through mid-April.

Spring Planting Timeline

Follow this schedule for the best spring results:

Monitor soil temperature. Aim for a consistent 50°F at seeding depth.
Target planting between March 25th and April 20th in central regions.
In northern areas, wait until mid-April. Southern areas can start in late March.
Ensure seeds are in the ground at least 6-8 weeks before the first hot, dry period of summer.

Choosing Your Clover Type

Selecting the right clover for your purpose is essential. Pennsylvania gardeners commonly use these types:

White Clover (Dutch White or Microclover): Perfect for lawns, pastures, and as a living mulch. It’s low-growing and tolerant of foot traffic.
Red Clover: A taller, fast-growing biennial often used for hay, soil improvement, and as a cover crop. It’s very adaptable.
Crimson Clover: An annual with beautiful red flowers. It’s excellent as a cover crop to fix nitrogen and attract pollinators.

Consider your goal. For a bee-friendly lawn substitute, white clover is ideal. For soil building in a garden bed, crimson or red clover are powerful choices.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps whether your planting in spring or fall. Proper preparation makes all the difference.

1. Test and Prepare Your Soil

Clover isn’t overly picky, but it prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test from your local extension office can confirm this. To prepare the site:

Clear the area of weeds and debris.
Loosen the top 1-2 inches of soil with a rake or garden weasel.
No need for deep tilling; a fine, level seedbed is what you want.

2. Seeding Methods and Rates

Clover seeds are tiny and must be sown shallowly. Mixing them with sand or compost can help achieve an even spread.

For Lawns/Pastures: Use 2-4 pounds of white clover seed per acre, or about 1 ounce per 1,000 square feet.
For Cover Crops: Use 10-15 pounds of red or crimson clover per acre.
Broadcast the seed evenly by hand or with a spreader.
Lightly rake the area to cover seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. You can also simply walk over the area to press them in.

3. Watering and Initial Care

Consistent moisture is critical for germination, which takes about 7-14 days.

Water gently but thoroughly immediately after planting.
Keep the seedbed moist (not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks.
Once established, clover is quite drought-tolerant due to its deep roots.

Avoid using any broadleaf herbicides, as they will kill your clover. This is a common mistake made by many new gardeners.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

After your clover is growing, a little care ensures it lasts for years.

For Fall-Planted Clover

Your main task is monitoring moisture until winter. No mowing is needed in the first fall. Let it grow to capture as much sunlight as possible. In late spring, you can mow to encourage spreading and prevent flowering if you prefer a neater look.

For Spring-Planted Clover

Weed competition is your biggest challenge. Hand-pull large weeds to avoid disturbing the young clover. Once the clover forms a dense mat (by late spring), it will naturally suppress weeds. Provide water during any extended dry spells in its first summer.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with perfect timing, you might encounter a few issues.

Poor Germination: Often caused by planting to deep or letting the seedbed dry out. Re-seed lightly if needed.
Weed Invasion: Especially in spring plantings. Mow weeds high before they set seed. The clover will eventually outcompete them.
Animal Pressure: Deer and rabbits enjoy young clover. Use temporary fencing or repellents if browsing is severe, but remember clover is resilient and will often grow back.

Benefits of a Successful Clover Planting

Why go through all this effort? The rewards are substantial:

Nitrogen Fixation: Clover takes nitrogen from the air and adds it to the soil, fertilizing itself and nearby plants for free.
Pollinator Support: Clover flowers are a vital food source for bees and butterflies.
Soil Health: Its roots aerate compacted soil and prevent erosion.
Lawn Alternative: Stays green in drought, requires no fertilizer, and rarely needs mowing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I plant clover in Pennsylvania in the summer?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat and dry conditions make it very hard for seedlings to survive. The germination rate is low and requires constant, heavy watering.

How late can you plant clover in Pennsylvania?

For fall planting, try not to go past early October. “Dormant seeding” in late November or December (where seed sits until spring) is possible but less reliable than a timely fall planting.

Does clover come back every year in PA?

It depends on the type. White clover is a perennial and will come back for 2-3 years. Red clover is a biennial, lasting two years. Crimson clover is an annual and will die after flowering but often reseeds itself.

Should I mix clover with grass seed?

Yes, this is a fantastic idea. Mixing white clover with turfgrass creates a healthier, more drought-resistant lawn that needs less fertilizer. Use about 5% clover seed by weight in your grass seed mix.

By following these guidelines for when to plant clover in PA, you set yourself up for a thriving, low-maintenance plot. Remember, fall is your most reliable bet, but a well-timed spring sowing can also yield great results. Pay attention to your local frost dates and soil conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, beneficial green cover that enriches your garden and the environment around it.