Growing Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a leguminous forage plant, which is mostly used as animal feed. However, alfalfa health benefits are for both humans and animals, and occasionally it is also used as food by people. It has been cultivated since 5^th century, and became very popularly during the 17^th century. The characteristics that alfalfa possess, distinguish it from other food crops. It is toxic to itself, as it can't reproduce in regions where a crop already is present. Hence, it is necessary to plow alfalfa crop which is finished, before you plant the next season's crop. The grown plant of alfalfa is highly rich in fiber, which makes it a bit unsuitable for human consumption, but good for most domesticated animals. Growing alfalfa for hay is a common project, and the crop is harvested before the flower starts to appear. It is popular as a feed supplement for horses and cattle. Growing alfalfa for deer is another project where different varieties of native alfalfa plants are grown.

Growing Alfalfa Sprouts
To grow alfalfa sprouts, follow the following steps.

• To make the alfalfa seeds sprout, first wash them and soak them in water. Use two tablespoons of seeds in a container, and cover them with two inches of water.
• Place the container in a place that doesn't get direct sunlight. Keep rinsing the sprouts twice in a day with cool water. To rinse them simply wash them wish clean, fresh and cool water for 10 seconds in a drainer.
• After few days the sprouts might start clumping with each together. As this starts happening, stir the sprouts with a fork while washing the sprouts to break the clumps.
• As the sprouts start to turn green and grow leaves, wash the sprouts and remove any hulls that have appeared on top of the container.
• After a week's period the sprouts will be ready to eat. You can store them in a refrigerator, but make sure you eat them within a couple of days. You can eat them plain, stir fry, make a salad or use them in casseroles.

Growing Alfalfa at Home
Mostly alfalfa sprouts are used for eating purposes, but the fresh leaves and flowers of the plant are a better food source. To grow alfalfa in your home garden, follow these instructions.

• Buy the alfalfa seeds from a farm or feed supply store. Mostly alfalfa is grown for cattle, to grow alfalfa in your home garden, select the organic seeds. Purchase the pure alfalfa seeds, because sometimes alfalfa is mixed with other forms of grass.
• Select a site which has a slight incline, as the plants won't do well if there is standing water. The alfalfa plants grow around a height of 2-3 feet, so select the patch of your vegetable garden for growing alfalfa accordingly.
• Before you start sowing the seeds, till the land and get rid of weeds or any debris present in the soil. As alfalfa takes root quickly, it doesn't needs to be planted into ground, you can just sprinkle an even layer of seeds over the ground, and then cover it with a light layer of more soil or peat moss.
• Plant seeds about ¼ lb. in an area which is of 5 by 5 feet in size. Sprinkle the seeds evenly and if the weather conditions are not good, then increase the number of seeds.
• Within ten days, you can see sprouts sticking out of the soil, if you have planted too much then remove the alfalfa when it reaches to a height of 6-12 inches.
• You can replant alfalfa in April and again in August, and harvest it after 70 days. Make sure you maintain an organic pest control, while gardening alfalfa.

So, whether you want to grow alfalfa for sprouts or the leaves, follow the above listed instructions and take care to prevent any pests or over watering problems.