1st yr wetland Alfalfa

[megavites]

I'm growing wetland Alfalfa for the 1st time in some areas that occasionally flood or remain wet. https://meritseed.com/ga-378-wetland-alfalfa-perennial/
Do you let the plants go the 1st year to form good crowns or do you cut it after 40-60 days for new growth? Not sure if that would make a difference for its intended deer browse purpose.

 

[scott44]

I'd let it get up and mow it, mowing will help control the weeds and grass.

 

[Telemark]

That looks like a good option for me. Do you need to do anything for the pH? Does it like acidic soil? I have a few spots that are soggy peat mire with mostly moss and sedges. I could spray them and sow wetland alfalfa, but raising the pH might be tricky.

 

[Wild Thing]

That looks like a good option for me. Do you need to do anything for the pH? Does it like acidic soil? I have a few spots that are soggy peat mire with mostly moss and sedges. I could spray them and sow wetland alfalfa, but raising the pH might be tricky.

I have never heard of the wetland alfalfa, but generally speaking, alfalfa likes a more neutral pH - 6.5 - 7.0.

For your reading enjoyment:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjTwKPm4pDiAhVaHTQIHZ1KBw0QFjABegQIDBAF&url=https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/planting_methods_for_successful_alfalfa_establishment&usg=AOvVaw3_k5Ak3WHaasEcI3nlsaxC

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...h-soils.html&usg=AOvVaw1LBzx16c_o-BSctb1IS1qA

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...ing-alfalfa/&usg=AOvVaw2PTwsLnHhLHioFqXK9yPhr