Key points
If you ’re look to add a food - pack , versatile plant to your garden , seem no further than lucerne . have intercourse as the “ Queen of Forages , ” alfalfa is a recurrent legume that offers a wealth of wellness benefits for both humans and brute . arise lucerne at nursing home is amazingly easy , and with a little care , you may enjoy a bountiful harvest home of this nutritional human dynamo .
Choosing the Right Location
Alfalfa favour well - drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 . Choose asunny spotin your garden that receives at least six hour of sun per day . Avoid country with misfortunate drainage or standing water .
Preparing the Soil
Before planting , prepare the soil by till it to a profundity of 12 - 18 column inch . If your ground is compact , count using a rototiller or hiring a master to let out it up . Amend the grime with compost or well - rotted manuretoimprove fertilityand drainage .
Planting Alfalfa Seeds
Sow Medicago sativa seeds in the saltation or pass when temperatures are between 50 - 70 ° F . industrial plant the seeds 1/4inch deepand 1 - 2 inches apart . cut across the germ with soil and irrigate them gently .
Watering and Fertilizing
Alfalfa is a drouth - broad industrial plant , but it doesrequire steady watering , especially during thehot summer month . Water theplants deep , specially during the first few weeks after planting . inseminate alfalfa once a calendar month with a N - rich fertilizer .
Harvesting Alfalfa
Alfalfa can beharvested multiple timesthroughout the growing time of year . The first harvest time can be done 6 - 8 week after plant . Cut theplants backto a height of 2 - 3 inches above the ground . Alfalfa will continue to regrow , allow for multiple harvests .
Preserving Alfalfa
Fresh lucerne can be stored in the icebox for up to a calendar week . To keep alfalfa for long , you could dry out it or freeze it . Todry alfalfa , spread the cut plants on a screen or drying rack in a warm , well - air out area . Tofreeze alfalfa , pale the works in boiling water for 2 - 3 minute , then drain and stop dead them in airtight containers .
Using Alfalfa
Alfalfa is ahighly versatile plantwith awide rangeof enjoyment . It can be :
Pests and Diseases
Alfalfa is comparatively pest and disease - tolerant , but it can be susceptible to aphid , leafhoppers , and weevils . Control blighter by using organic insect powder or stick in beneficial insects . Diseases that can affect alfalfa admit leaf spot , crown guff , androot putrefaction . Practice good garden hygiene androtate cropsto prevent disease outbreaks .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How often should I water alfalfa?A : piddle alfalfa deeplyonce a calendar week , especially during spicy , dry weather . Q : How long does it take for Medicago sativa to grow?A : Alfalfa can be harvested 6 - 8 week after establish . Q : Can Medicago sativa be grown in containers?A : Yes , lucerne can be grown in containers , but it will expect morefrequent wateringand fertilizing . Q : Isalfalfa safefor mankind to eat?A : Yes , lucerne is safe for humans to eat . It is anutritious sourceof vitamins , mineral , and protein . Q : Can alfalfa be originate in the winter?A : Alfalfa is a recurrent plant , but it may not hold out incold climate . In expanse withfreezing temperature , it is best togrow alfalfaas an annual .
