The most important investment in a fertility program is a soil test, which will indicate soil needs with regard to pH, phosphorus, and potassium. White dutch clover yields better and stands last longer when grown on soils with a medium level of phosphorus and potassium. A pH of 6.0 – 6.5 is usually recommended for excellent yields and stand persistence. In some states, minor elements may also be recommended.

Fertilization with nitrogen is not recommended when seeding white clover seeds into grass. Nitrogen will stimulate the grass, thus providing more competition for the white clover seedlings during establishment. This becomes even more of a problem when seeding white clover into established grass pastures. Increased grass competition from added nitrogen can result in death of white clover seedlings. In most states, application of nitrogen to established clover/grass mixtures is not recommended if white clover occupies 20% or more of the ground cover.

Seeding rates vary with geographic location, seeding method, and seeding mixture. In general, rates 1/4 – 1/2 lb per 1000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre are recommended.

The ideal seeding depth for clover seeds is approximately 1/4-inch maximum, but under favorable weather and soil conditions, clover seed present on the soil surface may germinate and become established. Good seed-soil contact is important to ensure rapid germination and emergence.

In the Southern USA, white clover is seeded in late winter or early spring and in late summer. In the Northern USA, most white dutch clover is seeded in early spring or late summer.

White dutch clover can be seeded by many no-till or minimum till techniques and by broadcast seeding. In conventional seedbeds, white clover is almost always seeded with a perennial grass for lawns or hard or sheeps fescue for erosion control. Just scatter the seeds, rake lightly, and keep the clover seeds moist until it sprouts! After sprouting occurs, cut back watering as root development starts taking place and less water is needed. Withstands mild drought, grows well all over the U.S., even on barren soil where nothing else wants to grow. Winter hardy and it stays so low you can just till it under in spring if you are using it for a cover crop.

The best weed control is provided by a vigorous white clover-grass stand. If necessary, white clover-grass stands can be mowed to remove grass leaves and seedheads and to suppress broadleaf weeds and woody vegetation.