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Field Crops, Grains & OilseedsClover Planting Calendar
Clovers are legumes used in pastures, hay fields and cover crops. The species you choose, such as red clover or white clover, changes the plan.
Key points
- Clover can be seeded in early spring, late summer or by frost-seeding, depending on region.
- No federal planting table exists for clover.
- Seed shallow into a firm seedbed with the right pH.
- Ask about bloat risk before grazing legume-rich pasture.
What are the main clover types and uses?
Red clover is commonly grown for hay and silage and as a rotation crop. White clover is a low-growing, spreading species that is common in pasture. Crimson clover is often used as a cover crop in the South. Others include ladino and alsike types. Each has a different growth habit, tolerance for wet or acid soil and lifespan.
Because the types differ, ask your extension forage specialist which species have worked in your county. USDA NASS does not publish a usual planting dates row for clover, so there is no federal table to quote.
When can you seed clover?
Many extension programs describe three windows: early spring, late summer and frost-seeding in late winter. Early spring seeding can be made into a prepared seedbed or as a companion with a small grain. Late summer seeding avoids heavy weed competition but needs time for seedlings to grow before winter. Frost-seeding places seed on the soil surface in late winter, and freeze and thaw cycles work it into the ground. Whichever window you choose, check soil moisture at seeding and plan a way to keep weeds from shading out the slow-growing seedlings during the first weeks.
Your frost dates and your local guide should set the actual window. For example, if your first fall frost usually falls in mid October, a late summer seeding well ahead of that date gives the seedlings a better start than one made just before frost.
- Early spring seeding works with careful weed control
- Late summer seeding needs time before winter
- Frost-seeding is a late-winter option in some regions
What does a good clover seedbed look like?
Clover seed is small and should be seeded shallow, onto a firm seedbed. Sod seeding into existing pasture can work if competition is controlled. Soil pH matters, and many clovers do poorly in acidic soil. A soil test shows what lime and nutrients are needed, and nutrient management rules vary by state.
Inoculation with the right bacteria is common for legumes. Ask extension whether your field and species need it.
How does clover fit with grass and pasture?
Clover in a grass pasture adds protein and fixes nitrogen, which can lower nitrogen needs for the grass. A stand with too much clover can raise bloat risk in grazing livestock, so ask your veterinarian and extension livestock specialist about grazing management.
Grazing pressure also shapes the mix. Overgrazing can thin clover, and resting the pasture gives it time to recover.
What should you plan for the first year?
Control weeds without harming the clover seedlings, which are slow to establish. Avoid cutting or grazing too early, and give the stand time to build roots. Ask extension about the first cutting or grazing date for your species and region.
Pests and diseases vary, and extension programs publish scouting guidance. Any pesticide use follows the label, including pollinator protection, since clover flowers attract bees.
What mistakes should you avoid with clover?
Seeding too deep, skipping lime, seeding into heavy sod without controlling competition and grazing too early are common. Keep records of seeding date, species and results. If you are unsure, start with a small area and see how the stand does before you seed more.
- Seeding too deep
- Skipping soil pH correction
- Grazing before the stand is established
What does a worked example of frost-seeding look like?
Suppose you have an existing pasture that has thinned, and you want to add clover without tearing up the sod. In late winter, on a morning when the ground is frozen at night and thawing during the day, you broadcast clover seed onto the surface, and the freeze and thaw cycles help move it into contact with soil. Grazing animals can also help press seed in. This is an example, not a recommendation.
Whether it works for you depends on your region, your species and how much competition the existing grass offers. Ask your extension forage specialist whether frost-seeding is used in your county and which species and timing they suggest.
After seeding, manage grazing so the grass does not smother the new seedlings. Rest the pasture when the clover needs to grow, and write down what you did and when. A single season is not enough to judge success, since stands can take time to build.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.