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Test for pH
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Clover grows best in higher pH levels than other pasture forages, and also need more phosphate and potash to be present in the soil. Work with a local extension agent to get a soil test. After the test, the agent will advise you on liming the pasture for best growth results of your clover. Don't use nitrogen fertilizer, though, as that will cause the existing grass in the pasture to start growing.
Planting
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The existing pasture forages should be no higher than one inch when you start planting. Choose a certified brand of seed, then plan to plant it in late February or early March on a day that's not windy, hot or dry. Also avoid planting when the soil is dry. Preferably, you'll plant when there is still some frost on the ground. As the frost dries, the seeds will be brought down to the soil for germination.
When you plant, if your pasture is not sodded, you can use the broadcast technique to plant by walking the pasture and throwing out the seed onto the ground. If the pasture is sodded, you will need to use a tractor with a disc attachment to disc up alternating strips of the pasture to broadcast the seeds on. Use two pounds of white clover per acre, or eight pounds of red clover per acre.
Care of Clover Pasture
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Using the soil test you've had prepared, continue liming and fertilizing your clover pasture for the best growth of the clover (not the other forages). Get a new soil test every three years. Keep pastures down to about two or three inches by allowing grazing or by cutting for hay.
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The Best Way to Seed Clover in a Pasture
Red and white clover are two types of clover commonly used to plant or replant pastures, and are very useful in improving the quality of the pasture already in existence by providing nitrogen. For grazing, though, white clover is your best choice. Clover is a legume rather than a grass, which means it belongs to the plant family Leguminosae.