Red Clover Green Manure Seeds - 500g

Meldon Seeds - Red Clover Green Manure Seeds

Packet size - 500g

Meldon Seeds Red Clover Green Manure Seeds produce a vigorous, deep-rooted legume cover crop valued for its nitrogen-fixing capacity and ability to improve soil structure at deeper levels. Red clover develops an extensive root system that helps break up compacted soils, improve drainage, and add significant organic matter when incorporated.

As a biennial or short-lived perennial, red clover is ideal for longer rotations, fall planting, and multi-season soil improvement. It establishes well under a wide range of conditions and provides excellent weed suppression once mature. In addition to its soil-building benefits, red clover attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a strong choice for gardens, pastures, orchards, and sustainable cropping systems.

Key Benefits

• Fixes atmospheric nitrogen and boosts soil fertility

• Deep roots improve soil structure and reduce compaction

• Adds organic matter and improves water infiltration

• Suppresses weeds and reduces erosion

• Suitable for autumn or spring planting

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

How to Use Red Clover as a Green Manure

1. When to Plant

• Spring: Sow as soon as soil can be worked.

• Late summer to early autumn: Plant 6–8 weeks before first frost.

• Red clover is cold-tolerant and can overwinter in most climates.

2. Soil Preparation

• Remove existing weeds and crop residue.

• Lightly cultivate or rake to create a firm, fine seedbed.

• Red clover prefers well-drained soils but adapts to many soil types.

3. Seeding Rate

• Gardens: Broadcast at approximately 250 g per 100 sq metres.

• Rake seeds into the soil ¼ inch deep and firm the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

4. Watering

• Water after planting if rainfall is not expected.

• Maintain consistent moisture until seedlings are established.

5. Growth & Management

• Red clover establishes moderately quickly and develops strong top growth.

• Plants may overwinter and resume growth in spring.

• Mow periodically if needed to manage height or prevent early flowering.

6. Termination & Incorporation

• For maximum nitrogen contribution, terminate at early bloom.

• Mow, cut, or till plants into the soil while still green and tender.

• Allow 2–3 weeks for decomposition before planting the next crop.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a legume inoculant if legumes have not been grown recently in the soil.

• Red clover works especially well ahead of heavy-feeding crops.

• Ideal for longer rotations where soil rebuilding is a priority.