Alfalfa Pellets: My Favorite Plant-based Slow-release Garden Fertilizer!

=====================
For new videos every week, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to Plant-Smart Living w/ Farmer Fred!:
=====================

STORY
Fred has been an avid gardener for over 25+ years--gradually growing and expanding his organic garden, to where it is now, during that time. He has been a general contractor, owning his own contracting business (Detwiler Builders), for over 40+ years.

Now 60 years old, since he adopted a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle in 2012, Fred has lost 60+ pounds of fat, lowered his cholesterol to 129 mg/dL (from the high 200's) and lowered his blood pressure to 110/70.

He takes absolutely no medications.

He can help you do the same through his practical gardening tips and ideas, his comprehensive 'how-to' and DIY project videos, as well as, his helpful advice on how to live a 'Plant-Smart' lifestyle!

=====================

LET'S CONNECT!
PlantSmartLiving ► Coming Soon!

=====================

SUPPORT
Coming Soon!

Help us caption & translate this video!

[jimwilleford]

Thank you Fred. I do no dig permaculture in back yard urban environs. Glad you mentioned the alfalfa pellets. When I build a new perm bed, I first place the cardboard down and water it in. The next to layer, I place 4” books of alfalfa off of a bale, over the cardboard and thoroughly water it in. It ignites the following layers of straw, compost, etc.. I use alternate layers as diagrammed in Deep Green Permaculture, No Dig Gardening”. Google. Then scroll down for the recommended layers. This technique has been almost unbelievable productive for just this last week, I harvested over 100 bags of Fall leaves, to enable leaf mold in wire cages. I threw 4-5 handfuls of alfalfa pellets into each 6-7 inches of leaves, watering each layer until damp, not soaked. On the second day, after building the piles, steam was escaping the piles actually as though under pressure. I stuck my hand in thru the wire and had to withdraw quickly, due to the heat. I am excited, trial and error as you state!

[lorrainedurgee]

Yes, I’ve used Alfafa pellets in my homemade compost & it breaks down my compost very quickly with water, I just love it .. then in the fall I spread my alfafa compost all over my flower beds & veggie soil until spring..my plants are doing so well, I live in Colorado so I went from sandy, clay soil to rich soil using alfafa mixed with grass, leaves, veggies & water...& keep turning...excellent video...

[royhoco]

informative video, I buy alfalfa pellets at Tractor Supply for $14.99 for 50 lbs. I use the TSC credit card and get 5% back on my credit card bill. if you compost leaves add alfalfa in your green layer to super charge your compost mix. the alfalfa raises the temperature in the compost to 160 degrees in 2 days. you can also buy alfalfa hay in 90 lb bales if you use a lot.

[wokest]

I love alfalfa pellets, that I learned about this year. Never seen such amazing looking plants in my garden! I also use fast release liquid fertilizer.

[ACryin_Shame]

Im SO thrilled you're back farmer fred!

[purplepumpkinMD]

Hi, Farmer Fred. This was my first time watching your videos and I can't help but notice little teddy in the background ☺😄☺

[racebiketuner]

Also great for adding to compost because it's low in phosphorous.

[yesyes]

This is a much needed video for some people like me. I have been told about alfalfa meal but its not to be found in my area., but alfalfa for horses is at my local rural king. Im going to start using it on my tomatoes and plants also as a tea, , thanks bunch.

[OldTimerGarden]

I'm trying this suggestion from you this season and found a #50 bag a little cheaper at Tractor Supply Co. for $14.99. Thanks for your suggestions.

[SimplyGarden]

That is amazing. Never knew about using alfalfa pellets. Your video helped. I'm going to try it.
Thanks

[angelasheppard]

Thanks for sharing. Will have to try it. My sister n law has horses so I will go to her horse feed store and look for this product

[sandymorrow]

What a beautiful garden you have! I am definitely going to purchase some alfalfa pellets and use them as a slow release fertilizer.

[racebiketuner]

Alfalfa is great for overwintering raised beds because it's very low in phosphorous. Phosphate accumulation can really be a problem, especially when you're feeding with water soluble nutrients.

[racebiketuner]

Alfalfa is great for feeding fruit trees because it's relatively high in potassium.

[jamestyrer]

THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION. NOT SURE IF YOU CAN ADD TO MANY PELLETS TO THE GARDEN AREA ?

[billpreiss]

I am a new gardener, thank you for the education! Fred, I have been looking for the right straw hat for a couple of years, yours looks very comfortable, where would I look to find a hat like yours?

[abcdeedcba]

Thanks for sharing! We definitely love using alfalfa and other cover crops. Have you ever looked into using your own urine? I know it's still a little taboo but there is a lot of science becoming available out there.

[mercygrace]

I've used these for years! I recommend them to enrich any soil. I use a 50lb bag of pellets in the late winter plus a 4 lbs bag of bone meal along with a few large scoops of calcium from my chicken feed.

[GreenLove]

I use alfalfa pellets too- to amend my raised beds, twice a year! They are the best organic fertilizer!!! And cheap! What's not to love!

[MartyFRsfNE]

Ever use spent (already thoroughly percolated and cooled) coffee grounds. Better smell in the garden than some alternatives.