How to Get Rid of Clover in the Lawn Organically

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Lawns need nitrogen to stay green and healthy. Grass mixes often contain clover because it fixes nitrogen into the soil! Clover is also an indicator weed for low nitrogen, meaning it shows up in soils that need more nitrogen. So instead of viewing clover as a weed, look at it as a sign that you need to improve the health of your soil.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Hand weeder
Mulching lawn mower
Compost
Rake

Step1

Clover has small fibrous roots that are easy to remove by hand. Simply water your grass well in the very early morning and then pull up the clover a few hours later. A small hand weeder makes the job easier. If this seems like drudgery, invite over a friend, make some mimosas, and chat while you do the job!

Step2

In the spring and fall spread 1/4- to 1/2-inch of compost over your lawn. Be sure to use compost that has a fine texture. Fill a wheelbarrow with compost and pour the compost out in a line. Then use a bow rake to spread the compost out thinly. Your grass should poke up through the compost. Over a period of two to three weeks the compost will sift down through the grass and disappear. Compost adds organic matter and nutrients to your soil.

Step3

When you mow your lawn don't bag up the clippings and cart them to the curb. Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen and break down quickly, adding organic matter back into your soil. Use a mower with a mulching blade to recycle the grass clippings back into your lawn. And remember that this "grasscycling" doesn't cause thatch--over fertilizing is the culprit.

Step4

Mow your grass to a height of three inches because taller grass shades out weeds. Never mow off more than 1/3 of the grass at one time and make sure to have your lawn mower's blade sharpened each spring.

Step5

Check with your local university cooperative extension or Master Gardeners for the best time to fertilize lawns in your area, as recommendations differ depending on region. In most areas of the United States, it's best to fertilize in early fall. Use a granulated organic lawn fertilizer.

Tips & Warnings

Lawns with healthy soil grow better and have less weeds than lawns growing in poor soil.
Plantains, dandelions, and other weeds with long tap roots indicate compacted soil.