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WALES, NEW YORK

I haven't used either of these in the past ...just looking for any input from anyone who uses them and how well they worked...

3/21/2013 6:48:28 PM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

Hi
Iam no expert- I think both add slow release nutrients -especially nitrogen in the soil. I also believe the corn meal attracts earthworms and feeds them.
Just my take on it.

3/22/2013 10:40:13 AM

valparaiso, in

I couldn't tell you how well they work, but I add 50 lbs. of alfalfa meal and 20-25 lbs. of corn meal to my patch every year.

3/22/2013 9:34:57 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

The idea of alfalfa is that it is very deeply rooted and pulls up micro nutrients from the subsoil, as well as the nitrogen it pulls from the air. Corn meal is supposed to help with some soil borne diseases.

3/23/2013 10:01:26 AM

WALES, NEW YORK

Great info!!! thanks guys !!

3/23/2013 10:19:38 AM

BC, Canada

alfalfa is a marvelous green manure crop. Just do a little reading on it as to what it likes. Yes, great deep roots. I know the better prepared the planting bed the better crop results.
Why corn meal? As best I can make out it is a high priced source for N and no verifiable test results for the claimed anti-pathogens abilities. I have done a lot of reading on it can find nothing except the same unverified claims being repeated. Not trying to argue here, just always trying to learn. I'm the worst one for wanting to try the latest and greatest but eventually even I need some actual results.
Thanks

3/23/2013 1:13:37 PM

South Hero, VT

Alfalfa is real finicky about the ph of the soil and the tilth of the soil, which is why I haven't grown it. It also takes at least 2 years for alfalfa to extend its roots deep enough into the soil to make it worth planting.

And from what I just saw on the internet, claims about the efficacy of corn meal preventing soil diseases are greatly exaggerated.

If you're talking about alfalfa PELLETS, that's a whole different topic for discussion, Several heavy hitters, including Charlie Lieber, have used them with great success.

I do know that manufacturers of worm composting bins recommend corn meal, as well as coffee grounds and dry milk powder, to feed the worms.

3/23/2013 6:36:46 PM

Princeton Kentucky

This is why I throw bread out on the patches thru spring summer and Fall. You all in the bigger cities should be checkin with the day old bakeries to get the 2 day old breads for free. I have tons of castings everywhere this way..Clue watch for what the Worm Farmer from Texas throws on top of the soil besides manure for the worms. It doesn't get any simpler
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/dirty-jobs/videos/worm-rancher.htm

3/23/2013 9:10:32 PM

South Hero, VT

Thanks for the tip, Joseph. By the way, Ron Wallace indulges in worm farming, too.

3/24/2013 7:21:00 PM

Puyallup, WA

Used alfalfa pellets one time....attracted every rabbit in the valley!

3/25/2013 1:04:42 AM

BC, Canada

Stan re: alfalfa, yes I can see the pellets attracting rabbits. But, it's a fair trade, they leave you little pellets of their own.
More seriously, I hadn't thought about the rabbits. In the last two to three years they have become more prevalent and a real problem in our area. My son got me a high power pellet gun and it sets with a flashlight by the door. I have taken out several but they seem to breed like rabbits. They have even attacked the bark own fruit trees. Damn wabbits!
As to alfalfa, I use the meal. We have a good size rose garden and it is one of the secrets of great roses. Apparently there is a hormone in alfalfa that increases basal cell growth and acts particularly well on roses. I also use alfalfa meal when I want an organic blase of N. This past week I did my garlic crop with it. I also put the first cut of grass from the lawns on the garlic which was this weekend. Garlic and raspberries get the first grass clippings along with some alfalfa meal. Makes em green.

3/25/2013 2:57:39 AM