Scientifically known as Medicago sativa, Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant. This leguminous plant is often widely recognized for its nutritious value and versatility. It is commonly referred to as Lucerne in many parts of the world, being cherished for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
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When growing Alfalfa seeds, you will realize that it has so many more benefits that make it a gardener’s and famer’s favorite. It benefits its care-givers and its environment, becoming a valuable crop that brings both benefits and beauty to a garden.
So, what must you know while growing Lucerne grass seeds? Read on to know more!
• Benefits of Alfalfa: Why Should You Be Growing Alfalfa Seeds?
Alfalfa brings you more benefits than just the ones you may have read about before this. The Alfalfa seed uses are different, their leaves find different uses, and while their roots find some others. So, what are these benefits that you will be able to reap should you choose to grow Alfalfa in your garden?
Here are a few of them:
1. Alfalfa Helps Lower Cholesterol
Alfalfa has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while raising good cholesterol (HDL), contributing to better heart health.
2. It Is Packed with Essential Nutrients
Alfalfa is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
3. It Aids Digestive Health
The high fiber content in alfalfa helps promote healthy digestion and is also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating.
4. Erosion Control
Alfalfa effectively controls soil erosion by developing deep, extensive root systems that anchor the soil, reducing surface runoff, minimizing water erosion, and enhancing soil structure.
So, not only does Alfalfa benefit you and your health but also the health of your garden, becoming an all-round plant that ill stay with you for a long time if given the right care.
• Basics of Alfalfa Planting: Starting the Seeds
When growing any plant, the seed is always the starting point, the way the life of the plant begins. So, when starting your seeds, always be mindful with your every step. You must have the correct know-how and understanding of exactly what your Alfalfa seeds need.
So, here's what you must know:
1. Picking the Right Location
When picking the right location for growing alfalfa seeds, remember that they need full sun to grow and germinate properly. So, whether you choose to grow them indoors or outdoors, place them in a spot where they will receive full sun for at least 6-8 hours in a day.
Another thing to know is that you can start your Lucerne seed varieties indoors or outdoors. No matter where you choose to grow them, remember to give them enough light for optimal and fruitful development.
2. Soil Preparation for Planting
Like most other seeds, Alfalfa seeds also need well-drained soil to grow. They prefer rather loamy and sandy soil once they mature. However, when germinating alfalfa seeds, you can use Cocopeat because the porous texture of the peat ensures that you seeds have enough space to germinate and grow roots.
Before planting, prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 6-8 inches, removing any weeds, and adding organic matter to improve soil fertility
3. Sowing the Seeds
The best time to plant Alfalfa seeds is during the summer or spring months. Once you have sown the seeds around 1/4 inch deep into the soil, ensure to lightly rake the soil if growing directly in the ground. If growing in seedling trays, add a 1/4 inch layer of Cocopeat on top to gently cover the seeds.
4. Watering the Lucerne Grass Seeds
Remember that all seeds need their soil to be consistently moist in order to grow well. So, remember to mist the soil regularly but not so much that you end up making the soil waterlogged.
Lightly spray some water every day and ensure that the soil does not dry up.
5. Germination and Early Growth
Alfalfa seeds typically germinate within 4-5 days under optimal conditions. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out if necessary to prevent overcrowding, allowing about 4-6 inches between plants. Ideally, early growth is crucial for establishing a strong alfalfa crop.
• Caring for Mature Alfalfa Plants
Once your Lucerne Grass matures, it is rather easy to care for because of its fuss-free and drought-resistant nature. But there are still some basic needs that you must know about.
So, here are some Alfalfa plant care basics to keep in mind:
1. Plant Watering Needs
While drought-resistant, these plants still need water at just the right time for proper growth. So, especially during dry spells, remember to water your plants as and when needed.
Water the plants around 0.5-1.0 inches once every week. This will ensure that they have enough water while also not being waterlogged. Ensure deep watering to encourage deep root growth, which is essential for the plant's longevity and resilience.
2. Fertilization
Ideally, fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season of the plant, which falls in late summer to fall months. During this time, ensure that you're using a proper, all-round, and slow-release organic fertilizer.
This will ensure a proper feed while also avoiding the risk of fertilizer burn due to over-fertilization.
3. Controlling Weeds (if grown outdoors)
Very often, weeds can compete with alfalfa for nutrients and water. So, you must implement effective weed management practices, such as mulching and manual weeding, to keep your alfalfa crop healthy.
4. Managing Pests and Diseases
Generally, Alfalfa is rather disease and pest-resistant, but it’s still important to monitor for any signs of trouble. Common issues with these plants include aphids, root rot, and leaf spot. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to protect your crop.
For root rot, the biggest cause is over-watering. Often, this is the deadliest and most silent killer in plants. So, monitor your watering process closely and water only once a week!
• Harvesting and Storing: What Comes After Growing Lucerne Grass Seeds
With a lot of crops, harvesting needs to be done at the right time and understanding when the time is right is absolutely crucial. This way, you can ensure proper taste and nutrient-concentration.
Here's how to harvest and store Alfalfa:
1. When is the Right Time?
The best time to harvest alfalfa is when it reaches the early bloom stage, where about 10% of the plants have begun to flower. Harvesting at this stage ensures the highest nutritional content and palatability.
2. Cutting Your Harvest
When cutting or harvesting, another vital yet easily overlooked aspect of the process is the cleanliness of the harvesting tools, Whether you're using a scythe, sickle, or pruner, it must be very clean so as to avoid any bacteria contamination on the plant.
Use a proper tool to cut your alfalfa about 2-3 inches above the ground. The cutting height is also crucial as cutting too low can damage the plant and affect regrowth.
3. Drying
After cutting, allow the alfalfa to dry in the sun for a few days until the moisture content reduces to around 15-20%. This generally helps prevent mold during storage.
4. Baling and Storage
Once dried, alfalfa can be baled and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Proper storage is essential to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
Now that you know how to grow your alfalfa seeds, what's next after they've grown and been harvested?
• How Can You Eat Alfalfa?
Often considered a superfood due to its nutrient-dense composition, Alfalfa is a crowd-favorite for all those who love to eat healthy. So, how can you consume it?
Here are a few ways:
1. Alfalfa Sprouts
One of the most common ways to consume alfalfa is by sprouting the seeds. Alfalfa sprouts are rich in nutrients and can be added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps for a fresh, crunchy texture.
2. Tea
Alfalfa tea is made by soaking dried alfalfa leaves in hot water. This herbal tea is known for its detoxifying properties and is often consumed for its many health benefits.
3. Supplements
Alfalfa is available in supplement form, including tablets, capsules, and powders. These supplements are used for their nutritional and medicinal properties, including promoting digestive health and reducing cholesterol.
4. Smoothies and Juices
Fresh or powdered alfalfa can be added to smoothies and juices for a nutrient boost. It’s particularly popular among health enthusiasts looking to enhance their daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
Now you can enjoy Alfalfa the way you wish to and revel in the fact that you've grown it yourself, ensuring a healthier and 100% organic harvest for yourself and your loved ones. That, undoubtedly, is one of the best parts about self-grown produce!
Happy gardening!
