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Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I'm planning on broadcasting alfalfa meal over the pumpkin patch area. Is it O.K. if it's non-organic? I'm just wondering if there's a risk of pesticide, residue that could be harmful to the pumpkins?

5/5/2016 1:09:45 PM

Western ny

i have used it for yrs ---good stuff ---keep away from stump

5/5/2016 6:43:40 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I have used this the last 4 years. 80 lbs. in 1300 sq ft.
http://www.orschelnfarmhome.com/OrschelnFarmHome/ctl16754/cp58611/si6125874/cl1/certified-alfalfa-pellets-40-lb?&query=alfalfa+pellets&hits=12&offset=

5/5/2016 6:47:36 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Andy, why keep away from the stump? I work a bunch into my patch including the planting area...

5/5/2016 8:40:56 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Ron do the pellets break down well during the season? I'm thinking that would be much slower release than the alfalfa meal.
Andy S, North Shore, do you use the meal or pellets? Organic or Nonorganic?

5/6/2016 1:24:09 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Doug, I use regular feed grade alfalfa meal (so assuming it's not grown organically...bag does not say)

5/6/2016 10:41:41 AM

Nampa

I wouldn't worry too much about pesticide residues. Insecticides on alfalfa have a preharvest interval, allowing time for the chemical to break down. Insectide residue wouldn't hurt your pumpkin anyway. Most herbicides on alfalfa are preemergence, soil active, and wouldn't move in the plant. Round Up is neutralized by soil and organic matter. I can't think of anything to be worried about. I'm not familiar with the process of making the alfalfa meal. Hopefully it would eliminate any weed seeds from the organic hay.

5/7/2016 9:27:19 AM