Question about clover in the vegetable garden

Hi all,

I have been trying to keep up with the weeding in my veggie garden. Amidst my onions is a fair amount of clover. If I leave it will it add nitrogen to the soil for the onions? Assume there is adequate water for both "crops".
When I had my soil tested in the spring it was very high in phosphorus & potassium but very low in nitrogen. 2 other gardeners had the soil tested in their plots & the results were the same.

 

Thanks Toni

 

So.. what I define as a weed...by me.

Weeds will parasitically entwine their roots to my plants. If they do not then cool, no homo. But too many associates and the plant of purpose becomes burdened. Even if that plant dies later after the season, at which point its fertilizer sucking days are over, the damage being done.

 

Ok. A-weeding I will go!

 

Personally Cayu--I would remove the clover and let it compost down on your compost pile...roots and all. I say that because in a veggie garden, you do not want competition for nourishment. The only plants to get nourishment ought to be the veggie plants that you are growing. The presence of other plants (helpful or not) will take us some of the food intended for your veggie plants.
When composted you can re-apply the nodules and composted material back onto your plots later on.

 

Okay, sounds pretty unanimous to me. A-weeding I shall go!

 

I'm there with you, Cayuga. Weeds are prolific this summer. In spite of great bean supply, I still think there would greater abundance without all the grass, Plantain (?), a tiny weed with a lovely yellow flower. It takes more energy than I can muster to keep the gardens weed free, but I do keep trying.

The worst is the Bindweed. Although it may be harmless, I simply cannot walk away unless I untwine / my word /the things from potato stems, tomatoes, garlic. onions, even kale!

 

I am battling the weeds also. the pile of discarded bits of weeds is growing fast.

 

Regardless of the underground issues, nutrients lost and so forth, the real issue I have is how weeds harbor fungi and pass it on to my garden. All grasses have a form of leaf spot for example.

 

I'm torn between leaving them and pulling them.

 

when i go add some fertilizer ( once a month ) i make sure to do as much weeding as i can beforehand, don't want to be feeding the weeds...

 

I have at least 3 different types of clover in the garden all with completely different root systems. Bulbing clover, these are hardest to get rid of but the least hassle to my veggies. Then there is the giant tufting clover and of course the type that makes a thick mat of roots and sends shoots up everywhere.

 

My daughter discovered a type of clover new to her. When I remember to ask for the name, I will post it.