Since my last post about “Autumn Garden Seeds”, I thought I should explain a bit more on the subject of using alfalfa pellets as organic and natural garden fertilizer.

Some people even use this stuff. It’s rabbit food, but also has alfalfa in it. 5 lb bag sell for about $9. Image from Southern Agriculture.

I was able to gather more information from Planet Natural about alfalfa pellets.  They are the primary plant source of nitrogen.  Alfalfa pellets also contain trace minerals and triacontanol, a plant root growth stimulant.  It’s recommended to use about 25-50 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. before planting.  Or apply as a side dressing later in the season for plants requiring additional nitrogen, such as the lawn.

But I would just add it to the trouble spots in the garden. There was a section of my mom’s garden that grew healthy flowers last year, but this year the dirt was just dry and nothing looked pretty there. I just planted some wild Purslane and it seem to thrive. I think this would be the perfect place to add the alfalfa pellets.

Image from Planet Natural.

At the garden lecture I was sitting in the back row so I was thinking the opposite, it is alfalfa sold as horse feed and not those sold in garden centers.  Since it’s cheaper to buy the horse feed versus the garden store natural “fertilizer” which is really alfalfa pellets!

So be sure to check out the feed store instead.  Usually sold in 50 lb bag for $15-20, but some places sell them in 25 lb bags for $10.  I will have to check our local feed store to see if they have any.

I really like the idea of using alfalfa pellets as they are safe and organic material.  No worries about chemical run-offs into the drain.  And you can spread it in the grounds with your bare hands too.