1. Before starting read all planting instructions, planting tips, and maintenance.
2. Select flat areas with well–drained soils that hold some moisture. Avoid sandy soils, soils that are too moist, and hillsides that drain quickly. An ideal soil bed is well prepared, fertile, firm, and moist.
3. Test and adjust soil pH to 6.8 – 7.0
a. Alfalfa requires a pH level closer to 6.8
i. If no soil test is available, add 2 tons of lime/acre for new food plots, and 1 ton/acre for established food plots that have been limed previously. Note* To speed things up skip to step #4 before applying lime while you are waiting for soil test to come back.
4. Check rules for your state and weed-kill if allowable and kill all weeds before planting this seed. Use herbicide weed control or tillage. Follow directions for the weed-kill product that you have purchased. Do not move to step 5 until you have waited at least 7 days after weed-kill has been applied.
5. Disc harrow or till thoroughly and then repeat after 5 days if needed. Do not over-till; doing so will result in loss of moisture. Then drag an old box spring mattress, chain link fence, or ATV harrow-drag to smooth out plot & roll with heavy roller or cultipacker before planting if still fluffy. Never plant seed deeper than ¼”.
6. Add 200 #’s/acre of 10-20-20 or 5-20-20 or equivalent fertilizer. However, 5-20-20 is a better choice for Alfalfa because the first number is lower, but may be hard to find in your area. Fertilizer and seed should be done consecutive.
7. Before broadcasting seed, make sure a light rain is in the near forecast.
a. For Alfalfa, broadcast 16 lbs. /acre.
i. After broadcasting seed, roll with either a heavy-roller, cultipacker, or drive ATV over seed to ensure better seed-to-soil contact for better germination. Rolling is preferred.
8. 3-4 weeks after planting, or when plot reaches 4-6 inches tall, fertilize with Potash (0-0-60) at the rate of 200 #’s/ acre or equivalent fertilizer. Make sure first number is zero; otherwise it will promote unwanted grass and weed growth. Apply fertilizer when plants are dry and rain is predicted in the near forecast.
1. Lime requires time to adjust pH, add lime as early as possible.
2. Avoid hot weather; plant when rain is in the near forecast.
3. Plant More Wildlife Alfalfa early in the spring when garden planting in your area begins, usually early June, (Northern Planting Zone 4) Products can be planted in the fall, but better results are achieved by planting in spring. Check your planting zone at www.morewildlife.net
4.Mix seed by hand in original package before pouring into seeder.
5. When broadcasting seed, mix with play sand for better distribution.
6. Mow or brush hog 2-3 times a year if not being consumed by wildlife. Last mowing should be no later than the last week in August. Height is required by October before plot is decimated by wildlife. Do not mow short or mow when weather is hot and dry.
7. Soil test and add lime as needed when you rotate your crops from perennial to annual. Add 200 #’s/acre of Potash (0-0-60) 1-2 times a year, or equivalent fertilizer. Make sure first number is zero; otherwise it will promote unwanted grass and weed growth. Apply fertilizer when plants are dry and rain is predicted in the near forecast.
