Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Grow Time

60-90 days

Sunlight

Full Sun

Watering

Every 5-7 days

Toxicity

Non-toxic

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How to plant Alfalfa: Step-by-Step Guide

1

Preparation

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Choosing Alfalfa Seeds

Hey there, green thumb in training! Alfalfa is a fantastic plant to grow because it's not only great for your garden but also nutritious if you're thinking about using it for sprouts or animal feed. You can easily find alfalfa seeds at most gardening stores or online.

Tip: Look for seeds labeled as "organic" or "non-GMO" if that’s important to you.

Timing

Alfalfa loves warm weather and grows best when planted in spring after the last frost. If you live in a warmer climate, you can also plant it in early fall. The soil should be around 60°F (15°C) for optimal germination.

Tools and Materials

Alfalfa seeds

Garden space or large pots with drainage holes

Loamy or sandy soil (alfalfa doesn’t like heavy clay)

Basic garden tools (shovel, rake, etc.)

Watering can or hose

Tip: Alfalfa doesn’t need super rich soil but does require good drainage. If your soil is too heavy, mix in some sand or compost to loosen it up.

2

Planting

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Step-by-Step Planting Guide

  1. Prepare the Soil: Clear the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep. Alfalfa has deep roots, so it needs loose soil to grow well.
  2. Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil. You don’t need to bury them too deep—just lightly rake them into the top 1/4 inch of soil.
  3. Water Gently: After sowing, give the area a gentle watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Too much water can cause the seeds to rot before they sprout.
  4. Spacing: If you’re planting in rows, space them about 18-24 inches apart. This gives the plants enough room to spread out as they grow.

Tip: Alfalfa seeds are tiny, so don’t worry about spacing them perfectly. They’ll naturally thin themselves as they grow.

3

Growing Care

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Sunlight Requirements

Alfalfa thrives in full sun, so make sure your planting area gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you're growing alfalfa indoors, place it near a sunny window or use grow lights.

Watering Method

  • Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Alfalfa has deep roots, so it can tolerate some drought, but consistent moisture helps it grow better.
  • Check the soil every few days. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Tip: Early morning is the best time to water, allowing any wet leaves to dry during the day.

Fertilizing Tips

  • Alfalfa is a legume, which means it can fix its own nitrogen from the air. You generally don’t need to fertilize it with nitrogen.
  • If your soil is particularly poor, you can add a bit of phosphorus or potassium fertilizer, but do this sparingly.

Weeding and Maintenance

  • Keep the area weed-free, especially when the plants are young. Weeds can compete for nutrients and water.
  • Once established, alfalfa grows quickly and can outcompete many weeds on its own.

Tip: Alfalfa can grow up to 3 feet tall, so you might want to stake taller plants or trim them back if they start to flop over.

4

Harvesting

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When to Harvest

Alfalfa is typically ready to harvest about 60-70 days after planting, once it reaches about 1-2 feet tall and begins to flower. The flowers are usually purple or blue, which is a good sign that it's time to cut.

How to Harvest

  1. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems about 2-3 inches above the ground. This allows the plant to regrow for future harvests.
  2. You can harvest alfalfa multiple times during the growing season, usually every 30-40 days, depending on how fast it grows back.

Tip: For the best quality, harvest before the plant produces too many seeds, as this can reduce the nutritional value.

Storage

  • Fresh alfalfa can be used immediately in salads or as a garnish.
  • If you want to store it, you can dry it by hanging it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once dried, store it in an airtight container.
  • Dried alfalfa is great for making tea or adding to smoothies.

Tip: Alfalfa sprouts are easy to grow indoors year-round. Just soak the seeds overnight, rinse them daily, and within a week, you'll have fresh sprouts!

5

Plant Care FAQ

1. Yellow Leaves

Cause: Could be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.

Solution: Check the soil moisture and improve drainage if needed. If you haven’t fertilized recently, consider adding a bit of phosphorus or potassium.

2. Slow Growth

Cause: Insufficient sunlight or cold temperatures.

Solution: Ensure the plants are getting enough sun and warmth. If it’s too cold, try using row covers to protect them.

3. Pest Problems

Cause: Aphids or other small insects may attack alfalfa.

Solution: Spray the plants with water to knock off pests, or use an organic insecticidal soap if the problem persists.

4. Wilting Plants

Cause: This could be from underwatering or root rot from overwatering.

Solution: Adjust your watering schedule. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

5. Poor Regrowth After Cutting

Cause: Cutting too low or not leaving enough foliage for photosynthesis.

Solution: Always leave at least 2-3 inches of growth when harvesting to ensure the plant can regrow.

Pro Tips

  • 1. Companion Planting

    Alfalfa makes a great companion plant because it fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants. Consider planting it near corn, tomatoes, or fruit trees.
  • 2. Cover Crop Benefits

    Alfalfa is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health. It prevents erosion, adds organic matter, and enriches the soil with nitrogen.
  • 3. Easy Sprouting

    Growing alfalfa sprouts indoors is simple and quick. Soak seeds overnight, rinse daily, and within a week, you’ll have fresh sprouts for salads and sandwiches.
  • 4. Mulching Magic

    Use alfalfa hay as mulch in your garden. It breaks down slowly, adding nutrients to the soil while retaining moisture.
  • 5. Wildlife Friendly

    Alfalfa attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
  • 6. Seasonal Planting

    In colder climates, consider planting alfalfa in early fall to establish roots before winter. It will come back strong in the spring.
  • 7. Rotate Your Crops

    If you’re growing alfalfa as a cover crop, rotate it with other plants to prevent soil depletion and maintain healthy garden soil.