Crimson clover
Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
Nutrients & rotation
Nightshades and corn pull a lot of nitrogen in a season; crimson clover fixes N in roots for the *next* crop if you allow regrowth or incorporate thoughtfully.
Winter-killed or semi-hardy depending on zone — check your USDA band. Pretty spring flowers; moderate biomass compared to rye.
In the garden
- Inoculate legume seed if your soil rarely sees clovers (cheap insurance).
- Mow or crimp at bloom before woody stems get frustrating to break down in no-till setups.
Timing
Late summer to early fall sow in many zones; earlier in short-season areas.
Caveats
- Hardiness varies — treat bloom timing as your termination cue, not the calendar alone.