Alfalfa Pellets As Fertilizer For Your Garden

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If growing a fall/winter or indoor garden full of delicious organic veggies for you and your family is something you're passionate about, consider joining our Facebook Group called "Growing, Better". We talk about everything from amendments, such as in this video, to organic pest control, and even making your own fertilizer from weeds! Everyone is welcome and its one of the fastest-growing communities online. Share, learn, GROW!: facebook.com/groups/GrowingBetter Fabric Grow Bags are an excellent alternative to standard pots, and in some cases even better for large single plant crops like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, and even Garlic! Lightweight, inexpensive, and they come in almost any size! Put that Compost to good use! Check out the affiliate links below and give them a try! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3imbLOA Amazon USA: amzn.to/2ZvWguO Amazon UK: amzn.to/2CTZQqZ If you're just starting out gardening in 2020, this inexpensive set of tools from Amazon can get you and your garden up and running this year as well as prepare your gardens for fall! I know there is a fevered and renewed interest in gardening and many of you are seasoned vets. But remember that there's a whole population out there that hasn't gardened before. Let's help them out and encourage as much as possible! Affiliate links below: Amazon USA: amzn.to/2xXLfbG Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aoN1AN Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2XrQA5A

[@czechyorker]

Not everyone uses FB. Many people leaving that Garbage so if you can please consider another platform to share the valuable info you are providing.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@czechyorker that's why I have 220+ KZbin videos... ;)

[@ksherif482]

... and your family is something you're passionate about... 😅😅😂 You shouldn't stay with or even have a family if that isn't the case.. so that's a very silly thing to say

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@ksherif482 "if growing veggies for you AND your family"...I think you misread the sentence....

[@bigwooly8014]

I live in an area with super heavy clay soil. During the the summer when the ground is dry and has large cracks in the surface I go around and fill the cracks with the pellets. Adds organic mater and said nutrients to the yard. I've got a long way to go, but over the 2 years I've been doing it, my yard has increased vigor, water retention, and the cracks in the summer are smaller and far less in number. Definitely worth the investment.

[@kogabear1]

The mold on alfalfa my not be good for animals but is what plants love. I put four or five cups of pellets in five gallon buckets fill with water and stir the slurry every day for about a week and use the tea in my yard and garden every other week. I put the leftover pellets in the compost pile or as side dressing. A fifty pound bag lasts about two and a half years. I make compost tea in the same five gallon buckets, every other week. Great topics, I'm glad I found your channel.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

You're so right Doug. For being such an inexpensive product, it really does last a long time and go a long way! Thanks for the tips and the kind words....really appreciate it! :-)

[@joanies6778]

Thanks for this great tip! I found out about them on another channel a few months ago. I sprinkled some in my garden beds about a week or so ago. I am amending my beds this week before we get more snow, so the moisture will help break them down. I didn't put enough, but this slurry/tea is a great way to supplement.

[@imatugwaddle2291]

AGREED!!! I, however, use the alfalfa cubes. They don't look as "pretty" in the garden, as they are chunky (about 3/4" to 1" square). BUT, they are higher in nutrients because they have not been "super processed" and squeezed down into pellet shape. I also find that they break down faster because they are not bullet-hard. GREAT STUFF either way!!!

[@michaelaomojola4437]

I love that you record during rain. It motivates to embrace every weather. Thank you.

[@RodeoCowgirl-55]

My daughter used to feed her goat those alfalfa pellets and she showed her goat at the FFA show. She won three awards. Grand Champion of all, champion in her goat's weight group, and all around showmanship. Alfalfa pellets works wonderful for all FFA animals and I never tried that for my garden. Good tip about using it for garden. Good idea, I didn't know that. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@derekcox6531]

It’s funny,back home in Nova Scotia we used to grow alfalfa on fields in “off” years,and after a couple of years as cattle feed we’d plow it under and replant barley. I’ve been using alfalfa in my compost for years. I had no idea that people weren’t doing the same 🤷🏻‍♂️ it’s like the cheapest stuff you can find for amending your garden. Hopefully a ton of folks will see your vid and give it a try!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Exactly Derek! Alfalfa is the ultimate cover and dormant soil crop. Between Alfalfa and Fall Rye for my garden, my soils have never looked or performed better since implementing them!

[@gardencookeat22]

Nice! I have 5 bales from a Halloween event, how can i use this in my garden, compost, etc?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@gardencookeat22 awesome Olivia! Either as a mulch, or as a direct additive to your compost. Just be aware that if it's not true true straw and has hay in it, you may find it sprouting everywhere!

[@dexterking9003]

It’s true my family did the same thing back home in Montreal

[@sophiecrowdy2932]

Farmers in the US do this too. But most home gardeners don't know to do it.

[@steveott1369]

As I always seem short on compost, I use alfalfa pellets and coffee grounds with wood pellets and shredded paper/cardboard to make a quick hot compost. Make sure to pre-wet and mix well. Heats up quickly and ready within 2 months or sooner if warm ambient temps. Great info, Jeff. Your recs will allow me to make this great resource even more versatile.

[@timchen7670]

I started using alfalfa pellets as my "green material" in building raised bed soil. I mixed it with straw bale as part of the lasagna method then top off with compost as soil. It works GREAT and save money buying soil to fill up a raised bed!!

[@Paul-xz3hw]

I use alfalfa in my garden all the time. I use in a compost tea bag method. Awesome results!👍

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Awesome! I have to try the tea method as well!!

[@fredg5390]

How do you make your alfalfa tea?

[@raczyk]

Do you water over mulch?

[@regeneratelifeacres6348]

Alfalfa really brings the worms up! Good info! Thanks.

[@Good4TheBodyGood4TheSoul]

You are very responsive with your commenters. That is wonderful, right along with all of the great advice!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! Appreciate the support! :-)

[@covahsmusicvault8953]

I'm sorta new to this channel & your comment is spot on! Jeff is so helpful & a brilliant virtual best friend. Cheers, ~ Covah

[@tomevans4402]

Never thought of this, my local feed store sell this pretty cheap, getting some tomorrow. Thank you

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Best place to source it out Tom! Good find.

[@davidrich4738]

This is absolutely fantastic information!!! Thank you for the great tip my plants had explosive growth after using it !!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks David, appreciate that. :-)

[@gordsmith7708]

Great video , I have been looking for information on how to use alpha pellets. Thanks cheers 🍻 man

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Happy to help, thanks for watching! Powder works too if you have access to it instead of the pressed pellets.

[@davidsomerset8411]

I've always like Alfalfa but then I liked Spanky, Darla and Froggy too Our Gang was pretty 😎 cool!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Buckwheat was the best!

[@davidsomerset8411]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms YES he was......... I actually got a 50 Lb bag from Tractor Supply trying for the first time....my soil is ready for spring planting.....I actually added a lot of Amendments

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@davidsomerset8411 my body is ready for spring.... But my mind is all about indoor winter growing!

[@Gene-kl1br]

Used it for decades . Mom n Dad used it b4 i was born . We bought it by truck load for the cattle .

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Really is a miracle plant

[@barbaracole4314]

Using alfalfa for gardening is new to me , and the pellets sounds even better, I'm heading to TSC to get a bag and try the pellets for my flower beds this spring, so great especially since I garden organic only.

[@tennesseenana4838]

I'll be planting my garlic and repotting my kale and collard greens this week so will be adding the alfalfa pellets to their soil. THANKS!!!

[@RobinsFamilyHomestead]

Answered a question I was asking myself the other day! Thank you!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on guys, cheers!

[@craftersusan]

Thanks for the information!! I didn't know this!! You didn't let a little rain stop you either!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha thanks Susan! This time of year, its weird when it is NOT raining, lol! :-)

[@k.p.1139]

Hey there, 2022 fall garden time. I have bought so MUCH stuff, that I have no idea now why I bought it, and what I was supposed to use it for. Rock minerals, inoculants, organic fertilizer. FISH meal, bone meal...AHHHH, help me stop with this madness. I have a basic gardeners blend, ready to go into my containers. It has a little mushroom compost, and I have just straight compost to add to it. Oh and lets not forget the bucket of home made bio-char, out in the garage . And, low and behold a bag of alfalfa pellets. I do want to add the bio-char. But, can I get away with just the pellets and ditch all of this other stuff? I'm about pooped with all of this garden "got to haves"! I am tired of being sold the snake oil! Thanks!!

[@JodyTheMagician]

Jeff is a real trouper-making that video for us in the rain! I'm going to try alfalfa for the first time this year.

[@rustee80]

Thanks for the info! I have Alfalfa pellets, and have mixed them into the soil when planting, plus have put them in my compost bins. Question: For onions, I saw that you were adding the pellets during the growing season. How much do you apply for 100 SF of raised bed, and how often do you apply during the growing season? At planting? Once in mid season, or say every 3 weeks? I use Fish Fertilizer for the onions now. Can I also use the pellets, or should I use only one? Would you recommend the Alfalfa pellets over the fish fertilizer? Thanks, again!

[@juliohernandez8892]

I just got mine delivered, can’t wait to use it

[@miman-ck9jv]

For more bulk Take a regular bale of hay, run it threw a small wood / leave chipper rent one if you have to , use a straw bale and leaf, grass clippings . Chip over a tarp or over your garden area. Chip into a pile and let it break down Mix in with your dirt worms 🪱 love it . If you can run it threw more than once do it . The pellets are a great idea also 👍👍

[@slowfinger2]

If you can find a bale of Alfalfa hay, BONUS! If you can visit a farm and see if their hay is mixed. Often the hay fields have a lot of alfalfa mixed in, which you can see from the road. Ask the landownwer if you can buy a bale or two.

[@moniquemonica695]

I bought my Alfalfa Pallets yesterday, can't wait to use it.

[@johnmalatesta751]

I have got to give this a try . This should really boost my raised bed soil.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey John, no question it will boost your raised beds. I use it every year...amazing results! Best of luck. :-)

[@OSGCourtWatch]

One small concern with pellets (agree alfalfa is a great fertilizer) is that the pellets are generally heated when rolled into pellets which potentially reduces some of the microbial life more than a non-pellet form....

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Could be. This stuff is so dry, even the regular meal is dry as a bone...not sure there's any microbial life on it to begin with. But that's what good garden soil, compost, and worm castings are for. :-)

[@OSGCourtWatch]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms here’s a link to a vid I ran across where about 6 or so min in he compares the microbial life in meal vs pellets under a microscope...looked like a pretty telling difference to me. Thought might be interested... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSYpYOPps-Ee6M

[@lauramichellehiggins]

Great video!! Thank you for the knowledge

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers laura, thanks for watching!

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Please do a video about ‘best times to water your plants’. Morning? Evening? Not the leaves? Why? Only the soil?. I chose your videos over gobs of others. I like how you deliver the message, compared to other videos.

[@Fred.pSonic]

I know your question is a year old but best watering time is morning. Splashing water on leaves and allowing that water to sit on plants during the evening may encourage mold and other plant pathogens. A lot of bugs come out at night and will feed on that water too, further increasing infestation. Plants synthesize water best during its' daytime growth not at night when it's at rest. Try to irrigate from within the soil incorporating sub irrigated piping or ollas.

[@wormweirdo340]

Great idea, I feed my vermicompost bins alfalfa pellets, good to know I can use them in the garden too!

[@lisakukla459]

Just picked up 50lbs at the feed store! I'm going to try combining the alfalfa pellets with pine pellets in my compost tumbler. If I had any kelp meal, I'd put that in, too. Maybe a lil molasses. Bet that'd be some unstoppable compost! If only I had unlimited money 😄 I feel like I already said something similar on another video of yours, but maybe I'm just having deja vu. If I did, sorry for repeating myself.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Outstanding Lisa..that really would be unstoppable! Even just the Alfalfa....the $15 bag is going to super charge the compost pile! I'm finding Beet Sugar Molasses super cheap right now...like $23 for an 8 gallon bucket. Worth looking into! Best of luck! :-)

[@sharonlee902]

That sounds like brilliant idea. Can you share your recipe for your compost?

[@Pubgfetiz]

That’s awesome, thankfully 😅 I have some of your boost mixture “Preparing for spring/summer” Already. I even used it indoors plants and my Goodness its a success. I like the end Jeff “hey yah” makes me laugh 😂 so hard, towards your reaction to the rain fall..🙏🇨🇦

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Habha so awesome! Glad to see its working for you Seddy! :-)

[@Pubgfetiz]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thanks 🙏 to You Jeff ☺️

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@Pubgfetiz always welcome!

[@Pubgfetiz]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms ❤️

[@Lloera]

Thank you! I love this info

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Lori, thanks for watching!

[@saltlifess6226]

They also raise the ph of your soil. I was buying lime to do this but with over an acre it got expensive. Now I use Alfalfa pellets to replace the lime.

[@hotsweetlady20011]

HEY CAN'T WAIT TO PLANT

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Spring is on its away!

[@greenhousefun3235]

If i could like your comment 1000 times i would. Come on spring.

[@gardenjohn1]

I visit my Tractor Supply store yearly, they work and smell fresh and clean. I use alot of animal feed in garden and on lawn!!

[@gardenjohn1]

@Leslie Behrens Since it is all organic and will not burn, anytime is ok.

[@annwithaplan9766]

I used to eat alfalfa tablets. I buy the horse chunks (forgot what they're called) and soak them, as they break down easier than the little pellets. Then I just mix it in my soil. : ) The big bags are really cheap, too.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Wait.....you used to EAT them??!! OMG, what did they taste like??

[@annwithaplan9766]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms - Haha. Tablets, not pellets. Human tablets. They're good for you, specially for allergies. I always swallowed them, so didn't have much taste to them.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@annwithaplan9766 Ahhhhhh ha ha ha, yes! That makes sense.

[@kr_herbert]

Ann, those chunks are called hay cubes and can be made from any forage feed for horses, including alfalfa

[@danielburns7519]

I have been using them for years.I usually sprinkle them in the soil before planting

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Does alfalfa take up grazon when the fields were sprayed which transfers to your soil?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, any plant would

[@tassiegirl1991]

I’m off to locate these in Tasmania to give them a try looks worthwhile

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Interesting Avril....I hope you can find some! I assume its available anywhere people have horses! Let me know if you get some!

[@tassiegirl1991]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I just order some on line here in Aus a co called Plant Doctor for other Aussies interested, it’s organic Alfalfa pellets in brackets lucerne so hope it’s right as I ordered quite a bit also free delivery depending on spend which is even better. Now I wait on its arrival.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@tassiegirl1991 Outstanding! Let me know how it goes for you! :-)

[@jbertrand5959]

This is great info… How often should I side dress might container plants with the alfalfa pellets?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! I honestly just do it once per year, that's it. It's slow release.

[@jbertrand5959]

Thanks for the info. Do you add any other fertilizers to your container vegetables, other than the alfalfa pellets?

[@bitTorrenter]

Is that application rate for already established plants?

[@rebeccazody1278]

Jeff- great video. Does alfalfa pellets contain seeds too, that will germinate and need weeded out later? Thx

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Rebecca'! You know in my 14 years of using the Alfalfa, it never sprouted on me

[@sircorkysriley4904]

that is awesome. will be using for sure. I took your advice and planted some indoor garlic right after Christmas they are up about 6" now. Should i sprinkle some pellets around them?? We feed these pellets to our rabbits so I will see what the label says first.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Fantastic! You could crush a few pellets and spread on the surface for sure. Depends on what you're going to do with the Garlic. If you're going to grow it indoors for an early harvest, that will work. If you're going to send it outside into dormancy, don't feed now, wait until spring. Cheers! :-)

[@mcauley19]

Awesome! I’m assuming it would be best to use alfalfa pellets at the start of a season instead of mid season because of the lower P and K levels?

[@dianac2596]

Can you put this on perennials and shrubs?

[@trenttan3779]

Love your videos! Always helpful and informative! Definitely will be hunting for alfalfa pellets. Will it give too much nitrogen for fruiting or flowering stage of plants?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Trent, much appreciated! its pretty slow-release, so I haven't found it to affect blossoming very much. :-)

[@candiwallace6605]

Thanks for sharing ❤👊💥🌱

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Candi, thanks for watching! :-)

[@TheRPBishop]

Excellent video. First time I have watched one of yours and I am now a subscriber. Ref alfalfa I also heard that the meal version releases quicker into the soil. I am looking for some to purchase. Thank you. Paul (from UK)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks man, appreciate it! Yes, the meal does release a bit faster than the pellets... But still relatively slow release compared to a chemical fertilizer.. Cheers!

[@kennypridemore5466]

Paul, if you want alfalfa meal just drop some pellets into a bucket and then add some water, you will then have all the alfalfa meal you want.

[@jhhadsall]

All I can find also has bentonite also. Isn't that also good for the garden?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

As long as you don't already have a clay-based soil, adding bentonite is just fine. It'll condition the soil and improve moisture/nutrient retention as well. :-)

[@yannisgfcooking9144]

Nice video 👍 I will try it.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Yannis, thanks for watching. :-)

[@SpiceyKy]

Great tips. Thanks so much.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Spicey, thanks for watching!

[@austin2842]

Would it be a good idea to rehydrate some pellets and then add to my seedling mix for indoor starts?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I do exactly that Austin. If I can't get Alfalfa meal (powder), I'll just crush up some pellets. Alfalfa has natural growth hormones in it that can really accelerate seedlings early on!

[@milkweed7678]

How about mixing the pellets throughout the soil using a broadfork or digging fork? Great video! Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Some people definitely do!

[@joanies6778]

Living in the countty, my sources are very limited. I tried to find organic, but they had none. So, I went with the only alphalpha pellets available. It says alphalpha with something (not a chemical) but it is mostly alphalpha and what they feed horses. I hope it does the job as well.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Joanie, I've used horse feed alfalfa before with excellent results! Best of luck! :-)

[@lisarichards5835]

I COMPLETELY AGREE! The amount of knowledge anyone can gain by watching KZbin is wonderful BUT...keeping it straight is quite another!!! I've gone to posting all this extra knowledge in notebooks... I've been an off and on gardener for about 50 years. A few tomato plants here, zucchini there, eggplant, etc... This yr, with all the economic problems we're seeing, I got serious about putting in a big garden. So, after digging into all this added knowledge, the mental pain this has caused me could honestly be measured! Like, which plant/vegetable likes what fertilizer, is it full sun, part shade, full shade, dappled light? I could go on, and on, and on, and on........ until I do nothing because of the confusion. Fish, canned tuna, fish emulation...do I bury it, make tea? Who can help me HELP ME! Finding the right answers in the ZONE you're living in? BROTHER!!!!! The questions are endless and now I'm tired. Anyway...thank YOU for YOUR channel! It's simple, informative, straight forward, PLUS...your voice doesn't rake against my last remaining nerve! I've learned a lot...

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much Lisa! It IS overwhelming....it always is and will be. I think our filters and ability to sift through it can help, but you're so right...there's so much fluff and endless talking out there. I appreciate you stopping by and I hope your bounty is big this summer!!

[@paulafernandes5988]

Hi how are you today? Is this all organic fertilizers I do not want to put anything that will hurt the soil more I am a NO TILL gardener I just do not want to do anything to upset the soil. thank you have a good day God Bless you and yours

[@TravelswithLucky]

I just bought some... such an excellent idea. Can I use them when I start seeds in pots?

[@sharonbrowne2311]

So it's okay for me to spread the pellets on my 4x4 raised gardens right now ( I'm in Ontario) and then I may plant in the spring? My gardens right now are covered in leaf mulch.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, totally Sharon! The pellets break down with moisture within 20 minutes. Augmenting the soil now means it'll be ready and supercharged for the spring!

[@sharonbrowne2311]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thank you! I'm going to buy the pellets now. Happy New Year.

[@netherza]

For those in other countries, seems like this would be called Lucerne else where (such as South Africa)

[@evelyndorman5301]

Will these help my blue berries, too?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Excellent fertilizer for blueberry plants!

[@OakKnobFarm]

I've actually never tried alfalfa as a fertilizer. Maybe I'll grab a bag the next time I'm at the feed store

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Its unreal Dave. Both as a living cover crop and as a soil amendment like this. Cheers man!

[@tymbaone1]

Do pellets contain alfalfa seed that can thus become weeds in my garden containers?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Tim, I've never had one sprout in all the years that I've used the pellets or the meal. Thousands of pounds of the stuff.

[@xyooj96]

what is the NPK?

[@matthewleewillis]

Great idea!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Matthew, cheers!

[@bhavikapatel2614]

Can we use this for all veggies plants and is it good for indoor plants?? Please let me know thanks

[@genrottluff1084]

I heard they also contain the nitrogen fixing Rhizobia bacteria...

[@MikeBee77]

Wow, awesome information, I know some people use Alfalfa for the garden, but in compost piles, I heard it could get the soil pretty hot, wondering if I spread this on garden beds or even the grass could hurt by the burning chemical reaction? I see you spread it around land, never tried it before, again, you think is good on grass too? Thanks

[@danielly9468]

Great video : That is the benefit of Alfalfa Pellets. Would you like to guide me how to make it ? Thank you so much.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Daniel. You don't make the pellets...you buy them. They are made by commercial manufacturers, not really something you can make at home. You can grow Alfalfa as a living mulch however, works great!

[@borton6]

Just a quick question. I’m kinda freaking out because I used spent coffee grounds on my tomatoes and zucchini and they now look partly wilted. What should I do to revive them. Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Coffee grounds shouldn't affect turgidity or wilting.... Any other parameters change?

[@borton6]

I wasn’t able to water as much as I normally do last week because I was sick so I tried to make up for it yesterday with extra water. The leaves on both looked shiny, thin and droopy/wilted.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@borton6 you can definitely overwater crops, even tomatoes. Give them a few days to bounce back

[@borton6]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thanks for the help.

[@gardencookeat22]

I have 5 bales of alfalfa hay from Halloween. Can i just add as is or do i need to chop it up or rot it?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Most definitely. Just make sure it has no hay in it, or it'll be sprouting everywhere!!

[@gardencookeat22]

You mean seeds? No it hasnt sprouted but it is rotting. Thanks

[@justwannaname]

so random. I was literally give several bags of alfalfa pellets for my pigs from a neighbor the other day. On top of just watching your bone meal video I'll be adding this to my composter.

[@sheilasantiago3715]

I wonder if you can use the pellets or tea for house plants like Christmas cactus and African violets?

[@mudpiemudpie785]

Will that draw bunnies to the garden? I have a lot of bunnies and they area always a problem.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If piled on the surface they could...I would say so. Might be better under the mulch or incorporated into your soil.

[@garretharvey4022]

When using the pellets they seem to mold quickly, is this bad for baby plants transplanting into the potting mix?

[@RAWD77]

Soak two hand full of those pellets into a gallon of water and put in a cool dark place for 3 days. Scoop off the floaties on top. Then water your plants with it. I recommend dechlorinate water that day. Maybe two days after as well. Bomb 👌🏽

[@richardcrossen9480]

Haven’t seen part 2 of the turmeric grow. Can you link it for us?

[@putinhynes3848]

Do you use it on citrus trees?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I've used it for lemon as well as lime trees.... They love it!

[@putinhynes3848]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms do you put it on the roof ball or around the outer area?

[@putinhynes3848]

I live in Arizona and the summertime is 110 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes hotter so i have to water my trees a lot. My citrus trees are in containers. I need to give them a slow release fertilizer because it gets washed out in watering.

[@weilin5857]

Excuse me, can you tell me where can I buy this fertilizer?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Most feed stores or plant nurseries carry it.

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

Do the pellets draw mice, rats, rabbits/ Good vid gooc info. Thanks Havagudun bud.

[@Jenny-bo9yt]

Can you put too much alfalfa pellets? I have some horse alfalfa pellets and I am worried that I may put too much in my small garden and raised beds. (I have a 40lb bag)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Its pretty benign Jenny. Quite slow release and really no chance of burning. Not at all like a chemical fertilizer. Just make sure to spread it around...I think you'll be fine.

[@Jenny-bo9yt]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thank you

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

Would you get the same benefits if you grew alfalfa as a cover crop?

[@michellemacagba2606]

I have rabbits and Guinea pigs and they eat Timothy hay and Timothy hay alfalfa hay pellet mixture. Could I use their poop waste into the soil? Is that good or bad for plants?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Michelle, people do all the time with success. I'd compost it first rather than direct mix on fresh beds, but dealer's choice. :)

[@mistertapa]

Thanks for your great video. Do you find the alfalfa attracts difficult critters? Or does your dog tried to eat it? If so does, it cause a problem for the dog?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey great questions! My dog doesn't go near it. I think with simple top dressing, you could run into rodent problems if you are already susceptible.....but in the compost or buried in the soil shouldn't be an issue. :-)

[@amysnipes4245]

If I sprinkle on containers and raised beds will I be inviting the rabbits?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Amy, you might want to bury in the mulch. :-)

[@frankkramer169]

A lot of commercial alfalfa is GMO and or uses lots of pesticides. You should only use organic alfalfa pellets in your garden. They are a little more expensive but well worth it.

[@letfreedomring6273]

Can you use the alfalfa cubes also?

[@bigwooly8014]

I'm sure this is way too late but yes. Soak em in water for a bit and they'll break down enough to easily spread em around.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Hit the nail right on the head.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

:-)

[@syleyna]

How can I use these pellets, without feeding rodents?

[@lisakukla459]

Better they take some alfalfa pellets than run off with your seeds. Once the pellets get wet, they basically turn into sawdust. You could put some in a container with a little bit of water, just enough to fluff it up, and then spread it around the garden. I think it's probably harder for a rodent to eat it in dust form.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Exactly what Lisa said. Once the pellets get wet, they break down. You can also bury them, pre soak them, use in your compost....many ways if you have an active rodent problem. :-)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@lisakukla459 Precisely! :-)

[@weilin5857]

Could you tell me where can I buy this fertilizer?

[@russkruse]

Farm supply

[@martinocelotl8326]

Should we limit use to organic as most commercial alfalfa crops are "Roundup Ready." I have heard it said that this, or perhaps pesticides like Roundup or others used on alfalfa crops and may inhibit plant growth. This may apply to straw, commonly used as mulch, as well. Does anyone have any experience with the use of organic vs. conventional alfalfa pellets as fertilizer?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey martin, I always strive to purchase organic wherever possible. Having said that, I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in non organic stuff meant as rabbit feed.

[@tmontero8492]

I'm right there with you on all of the products constantly thrown at us. This coming spring, I plan to cordon off one of my raised planters and eliminate all purchased additives to see how it goes for a year or 2. Comfrey tea that I make myself, and neem oil if the need arises will be it. Good luck with your garden!

[@canner5583]

Alfalfa pellets added to bath water is one of the best ingredients for detoxifying the body

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

THAT I did not know! :-0

[@abby9019]

I left my dehydrated alfalfa pellets (brand new in bag) out in the rain all winter and I opened them this Spring and they’re no longer dehydrated. They smell bad and have bugs in them. Is that a normal part of decomposition and still safe to use in the garden? Also thank you for this great video!

[@grlnexdoorable]

Throw that into your compost pile.

[@caderbavahsiddicl6414]

Thank lots Sir...

[@grandpaskitchen-andzentang2757]

Let some Alfalfa pellets soak in water for a while, mix it up good for a good compost tea.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Great idea!!

[@saltlifess6226]

They also add trace elements!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely!

[@jimwise6901]

I make my own seed starting mix i took alfalfa and put them into my blender turning them in to dust then added them to my seed starting mix has anyone else tryed this and what was the result thanks

[@jtcowboy5518]

I'll definitely look for that. The garden centers here are kind of lacking, to be honest.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Feed stores....they will have Alfalfa Pellets for horses no doubt!

[@jtcowboy5518]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thanks again! I'll try to locate one.

[@jtcowboy5518]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms You are absolutely right! Found one and they do carry alfalfa pellets!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@jtcowboy5518 awesome! You're on your way!