A dwarf Dutch Clover like mini or micro clover is what you are looking for. Some It’s a smaller form that blends very well with grass and requires very little maintenance.
Some people use standard forage type ladino or Dutch Clover. I have even seen some people use red clover (trifolium pretense).
You can get it by special ordering it online or a local seller with turf grass dealer/distribution contracts.
It’s best to buy the seed innoculated and coated.
It’s seeded at around 2-3bs/acre so a little goes a long ways.
I liberally spread that stuff in all the dead patches in my yard 2 falls ago. The first year almost nothing but the 2nd year and it has really taken over.
Sometimes growing from seed requires patience. It similarly took the self-heal* I spread in my yard a couple years to pop up, but it’s doing great now.
*Not a nitrogen fixer like clover, but unlike clover it is native in my area (iirc it’s native to most of the globe) so I generally prefer it.
Dutch, red clover are both good options. Dutch will only grow a 6-8" tall. Red clover can get up to 18". The micro clover pipolina is one that I personally like and only gets 2-3" tall…
In difficult spots subterranean clover can survive. It’s an interesting species as it’s seeds are formed underground like a peanut.
It’s been my career for over 3 decades now. I have traveled the globe as an expert on the subject until the constant travel messed up my health. Been to every continent but Antartica. Currently I am running my own business selling seeds farmers/others as the most overqualified salesman around.
A dwarf Dutch Clover like mini or micro clover is what you are looking for. Some It’s a smaller form that blends very well with grass and requires very little maintenance.
Some people use standard forage type ladino or Dutch Clover. I have even seen some people use red clover (trifolium pretense).
You can get it by special ordering it online or a local seller with turf grass dealer/distribution contracts.
It’s best to buy the seed innoculated and coated.
It’s seeded at around 2-3bs/acre so a little goes a long ways.
I liberally spread that stuff in all the dead patches in my yard 2 falls ago. The first year almost nothing but the 2nd year and it has really taken over.
Sometimes growing from seed requires patience. It similarly took the self-heal* I spread in my yard a couple years to pop up, but it’s doing great now.
*Not a nitrogen fixer like clover, but unlike clover it is native in my area (iirc it’s native to most of the globe) so I generally prefer it.
If I could pick your brain for a minute. What kind of clover would you use for the Midwest US and what season is the most optimal to spread them?
Dutch, red clover are both good options. Dutch will only grow a 6-8" tall. Red clover can get up to 18". The micro clover pipolina is one that I personally like and only gets 2-3" tall…
In difficult spots subterranean clover can survive. It’s an interesting species as it’s seeds are formed underground like a peanut.
Wow, I appreciate the detailed response! How did you come to learn so much about plants?
It’s been my career for over 3 decades now. I have traveled the globe as an expert on the subject until the constant travel messed up my health. Been to every continent but Antartica. Currently I am running my own business selling seeds farmers/others as the most overqualified salesman around.