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Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Have any of you growers ever used Alfalfa Meal on your pumpkin patches? If so, how much did you use per 1000 square feet and what type to result did you have?

11/11/2003 12:13:10 AM

Commack, NY

I used alfalfa meal in my patch the last two years. i used about 60lbs a year i guess. My patch was about 1000 square feet in total, maybe 1100. With all the manure ive added, plus all the other stuff ive added along the way, its difficult to discern whether or not the alfalfa meal had any effect. however it wouldnt appear that it had any adverse affects either. if you want to try it, go for it.
Scott

11/11/2003 9:40:56 AM

Montoursville, PA

Anything that once lived will compost. Some things take so long or have other adverse "goes with" factors like animals and fatty foods.

As for Alfalfa meal or spoiled animal foods such as horse feed containing alfalfa there is no problem. It has a fairly high nitrogen factor and it will add humus. Some of the books give it greater value than others. I say if you have it use it. It will break down about the same as leaves or dried yard grasses.

Animal foods of higher quality cost as much or more than higer quality organic fertilizers. Buy the fertilizers and use the other stuff as gifts as they become available free.

One warning about animal foods. Some animal foods have additives used as a feed through medicine. One needs to read the labels closely to be sure it is just pure and simple animal food in that bag. 90% of the time it will be just fine.

11/13/2003 6:23:16 AM