Our Crimson Clover Story

In the early 1900s, Franklin County, Tennessee was the greatest Crimson Clover Seed Producing County in the United States. It was first sown here in 1892 by John Ruch of Belvidere. At the time, Crimson Clover was known for its ability to improve soil health, but its full benefits had not yet been realized. Nevertheless, farmers in the area began to share their passion for stewardship and their clover seed until Franklin County and its neighbors were carpeted with Crimson Clover. As its cultivation grew in popularity in the region and later throughout the southeast during World War I, Crimson Clover’s strengths as a land builder, erosion prevention tool, winter pasture crop, and soil revitalizer came to light. By the early 1900s, the agricultural enterprises of the region were enjoying the fertile soils and fellowship cultivated by the Crimson Clover.

While the crop is less abundant than it was at that time, the values it symbolizes still remain. The communities of Franklin County and their neighbors carry on the spirit of fellowship and stewardship that popularized the Crimson Clover and has marked the agricultural success of the area.

We are proud to have this lovey legume as our namesake as we carry out the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener mission. Through our work as Master Gardeners, we spread our passion for horticulture, stewardship, and service like seeds throughout our communities for the betterment of our soils and our society.