Alfalfa Cover Crop

[LlamaBeans]

Hey, I had an open area in my garden this year and I was thinking about sticking some alfalfa there for a cover crop, but I wasn't sure how exactly to go about it. Do you have any advice?

 

[lesa]

Hi there! I have only used cover crops during the fall/winter, but I don't see why you couldn't do it now... Buy some seed and sprinkle where you want it- works like a charm. I was astonished to see how fast my winter wheat came up. Give it a try- and let us know how it goes! Happy Gardening!

 

[hoodat]

Don't let it get too tall before you turn it under. Alfalfa stems can get quite large and woody.

 

[patandchickens]

It depends what your main goals are.

Alfalfa's major virtue is that it is pretty deep-rooted. It is however also slow to get started, perennial, and pretty deep-rooted aka not the easiest to till/kill.

If you want a legume specifically, but don't need it especially deep-rooted, red clover or crimson clover might be arguably a better choice, as being less likely to be a pain in the butt and being a bit quicker to grow.

If you just want 'something', buckwheat is good PROVIDED you are careful to cut and till it BEFORE it flowers/seeds (this is true of all cover crops, but IME especially true of buckwheat). Annual ryegrass can also be useful, and is pretty quick-growing.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[lupinfarm]

Agree with Pat, Alfalfa is AWFUL to get rid of.


.... Lupinfarm who had an entire FIELD of it until my horse destroyed it

 

[hoodat]

I love that crimson clover. It has a short bloom period as clovers go but when it is in bloom it is a sight to behold. Bees love it too and right now they need all the help they can get.