How to Plant Alfalfa Grass Seed
- 1). Test your soil before broadcasting alfalfa grass seed. Alfalfa grass prefers to grow in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If you do not know the pH of your soil, purchase a soil testing kit from a garden center.
- 2). Prepare the soil for late summer planting. Break up the soil with a pitchfork and add lime if the soil test reveals a pH below 6.5, or mix peat moss into the soil if the pH is above 7.5. Add the required amendment following label instructions.
- 3). Broadcast the alfalfa grass seed over the soil. Simply grab a handful of alfalfa seeds and fan them out on the soil in front of you. Rake the soil gently with a metal garden rake to cover the alfalfa grass seed with a thin layer of soil.
- 4). Provide the alfalfa grass seed with at least 1 inch of water per week during the germination process, which takes between 3 and 7 days. Maintain moist soil conditions using a soaker hose during the first year of growth. Keep the soil moist, not wet, at a 1-inch depth at all times.
- 5). Remove any weeds that may grow in between the blades of the alfalfa grass. Weeds will compete with the young alfalfa seedlings for water as they grow, so pull the weeds out with your gloved hands whenever you see them.
