Some homeowners like clover in their lawn, but many don't. If you don't want the weeds to overgrow your lawn, there are several natural and organic ways to get rid of them - you can control red clover without harsh chemicals. We've rounded up the best methods to eliminate red clover from your garden naturally, some of which won't even harm your grass.
What is the cause of red clover in the lawn
There are several reasons for the appearance of clover in your lawn, most of which have to do with your soil.
- Incorrect soil pH: The ideal soil pH – how alkaline or acidic the soil is – is between 6.0 and 7.0 for most lawns. If the soil in your lawn is too acidic, the grass will grow more poorlyand the weedsmuch easier. Fortunately, you can balance the pH with soil improvers like lime.
- Poor Nitrogen Levels: Clover grows well in soils with low nitrogen levels. Grass needs nitrogen in the soil to grow well, while clover can get the nitrogen it needs from the air and therefore makes its own fertilizer. Your soil may be low in nitrogen because you used too many fast-acting fertilizers. While they promote rapid grass growth, they can ultimately affect soil quality. If you switch to organic fertilizer such as manure or cornmeal, you can avoid this.
- Compacted Soil: Compacted soil prevents your lawn from receiving the nutrients – including nitrogen – air and water it needs. Fortunately, you can break up compactions with a core or spike scarifier.
Fight red clover naturally in the garden
It is advisableWeeding using organic methodsinstead of fighting with chemicals, because this way you protect your garden and household from the harmful effects of chemicals. Here are the best ways you can control red clover in the garden, naturally.
Pull out by hand
You can do this for small areasRemove weeds manually. Carefully loosen the soil with a spade and pull out the weeds along with their roots. If you leave roots behind, the clover will grow back.
Deprive the weeds of oxygen and sunlight
You cankill the clover, by blocking it from all oxygen and sunlight. Take a plastic sheet or trash bag and place it over the bed, securing the corners with rocks to prevent it from flying up. This way the weeds should be gone in a few weeks. Remember that this will also kill any grass that gets under the film.
Spray a vinegar solution
You can make your own non-toxic weed killer with this natural home remedy. Mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water and a drop of dish soap. Shake the mixture and spray it onto the clover spots. The vinegar dries out the clover leaves, and the dish soap causes the agent to stick. You may need to spray over several weeks to completely kill the weeds. Unfortunately, the vinegar can damage the grass, so you should spray the solution carefully.
How can you prevent weeds from growing in your lawn?
There are a number of ways you can prevent clover from growing in your lawn in the first place. Of course, here we are again talking about natural remedies, without chemicals.
Spread organic fertilizer
Using organic, nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer will make your lawn less susceptible to clover. Some homeowners prefer traditional, quick-release fertilizers because they help grass grow quickly and cost less. However, using organic fertilizer results in healthier growth in the long run. Common organic fertilizers include cow manure, guano, blood meal, bone meal, earthworm castings and liquid seaweed.
Use cornmeal gluten
Cornmeal gluten releases organic peptides into your soil that prevent clover from growing. This doesn't work on existing clover, but it does prevent new seeds from sprouting - indiscriminately - so you shouldn't use this method if you've recently reseeded your lawn. Fortunately, this measure does not harm the existing grass nearby. You can purchase corn gluten meal at your local garden store or online.
Fight red clover in the lawn: mow the grass high
Clover grows best in grass that is less than 2 inches tall. This height stresses the grass and makes it easier for weeds to spread. Cutting your grass high gives it an advantage and makes it easier to displace the clover.
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