Sowing alfalfa is not a usual, annual task for many gardeners. But what is true for the plants we are most familiar with also applies here: the seeds determine the harvest. Is there anything to consider with alfalfa in this regard?
When and how is alfalfa sowed?
Alfalfa is ideally sown between March and August on sunny, dry areas with deep, loose soil. The soil is prepared by digging it up and adding compost, the seeds are spread over a wide area, worked in to a maximum depth of 1 cm and then watered.
The time window for sowing
Alfalfa accepts a long period of the year for its successful sowing. The only important thing is that you can expect a few more days of sunshine after sowing.
- all days from March to August inclusive are suitable
- Early sowing makes harvests in the same year possible
Late sowing is sufficient as green manure
Location and soil conditions
Alfalfa prefers sunny and dry places in the garden, which is usually the case with vegetable growing areas in the garden.
As a deep-rooted plant, this butterfly family also likes deep, loose soil. But alfalfa also fights its way through heavy, compacted soil, which is why its cultivation is ideal for loosening up such affected areas.
Soil that has a strong tendency to compact can be improved in structure with sand or compost before growing alfalfa, as alfalfa is also called.
Seeds
If you haven't grown alfalfa before and stored seeds yourself, you can buy seeds from brick-and-mortar stores or online. When ordering, allow for a seed strength of 2 grams per square meter of area.
Sowing step by step
- The alfalfas drive their roots deep into the ground. Therefore, dig up the soil before sowing.
- Mix in compost to provide the alfalfa with nutrients.
- Do not scatter the seeds in rows, but rather over a wide area. This prevents weeds from easily establishing themselves and also running through the bed.
- Then work the seeds into the ground with a hoe. But be careful: The seeds should not be buried deeper than 1 cm, otherwise germination problems will occur.
- Water the entire area immediately after sowing.
- Cover the sowing area, otherwise some of the seeds will be picked out of the ground by birds before they germinate.
Tip
Water the new growth later when the days are very dry. As they continue to grow, the plants can easily take care of themselves with their long roots.
