[tode]

Bought a big packet of alfalfa seeds not long ago (to make sprouts with), but have been wondering if it was worth sowing half next year ?  What is alfalfa, and what can you do with it (apart from sprouting the seeds) ?

[prakash_mib]

just read through wikipedia, which classifies it as a hay crop. humans cant eat mature crop due to high fibre content and it has a root system of upto 4.5 metres   . I would suggest never take it near to the allotment.

[Salmo]

Alf-alfa is used as a green manure. It is a type of clover that grows about 3 ft tall and its roots go very deep so that it breaks the soil up. It is best on dry soils. You can cut it to make hay for your rabbits/goats/cows.

It is grown for at least a year but if you have an area that you are not going to crop it is a good restorative crop.

Red or crimson clover are probably better.

[tode]

Hmmmm       think I've got the message. No rabbits, gots, etc,  so I'll stick to radishes and runners, I think.

Thanks for info.

[8doubles]

I think it is also called lucerne and as said before is mainly grown for animal fodder.

[strangerachael]

This doesn't answer your question but it's reminded me, I think there used to be a Farmer Alfalfa in the Richard Scarry books. I think he grew lots of corn and made very interesting things out of it like a pipe. Anyone else remember him?

[tode]

Wouldn't be a relation of that W***el  "person", would he?  If so, I don't want to know   

[Greasehog]

Have you got the Alfalfa for sprouts?? grow them in a long shalow dish keep them moist and in the dark at all times and use them to top salads like cress.. they'll be ready in a few days I grew some this year but mainly to feed to my  iguana....

[tode]

Come on now, I don't believe you        Where's the pic of him eating alfalfa?      

[Chiswickian]

I was given some seeds free at Chelsea Flower show a year ago by soem donkey charity. I have sown it as a green manure over winter. It's doing very well. I have no desire or intention to eat it but will dig it in sometime in March weather permitting