Nitrogen-fixing root nodules on the rampant white clover in a few of my garden beds. This clover was part of a winter kill cover crop mix that reseeded before I had a chance to cut the plants down, and it’s returned with a vengeance. I’ve learned my lesson to be more vigilant next time!

But these plants can still be a big help to feed the soil in time for my spring crops. Because the nodules are white, rather than red or pink, they’re not fixing much nitrogen yet.

Since the nodules are in place, the partnership with rhizobium bacteria is there, but the soil hasn’t yet warmed up enough for the fixation to fully kick in. Over the next few weeks, this process should increase, allowing them to fix more nitrogen that will eventually be released into the soil.

So while I want to pull this clover out to prepare for planting season, I’m going to wait to give it more time to capture this important nutrient. Then I’ll cut the plants off at soil level and let the roots decompose around my new plantings.

I just hope they don’t resurrect instead, and that they’ll give my crops room to grow! We’ll see how it goes.