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How to Use Alfalfa in Companion Planting and Compost

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Alfalfa is a perennial herb that can be used in compost and in organic gardening as a companion plant. Alfalfa has small purple flowers that bloom in cooler weather. This herb will adapt to most growing conditions. It grows up to 3-feet tall so keep that in mind when you plan your organic garden. The root system can spread up to 15-feet deep, breaking up compacted soil. While it tolerates many soil conditions, it prefers soils with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.It can tolerate some dryness, but don't let it get too thirsty for too long.

Things You Will Need

Alfalfa
Garden gloves
Garden spade
Garden hose
Compost pile or compost tumbler

Plant alfalfa in areas where soil is compacted. Alfalfa has a log root that will aid in breaking up the soil.

This herb will also fix nitrogen in the soil, accumulate iron and also magnesium.

Make a tea with the leaves and stems and spray on other plants throughout the garden. Alfalfa tea stimulates growth in other plants.

Plant as a companion plant for herbs and vegetables that are not heavy feeders. It attracts assassin bugs, predatory wasps and ladybugs who feed off of pests.

This garden herb also attracts bees for pollination of crops.

It is a good companion plant for cotton.

The herb should be planted with other plants that repel aphids, army worms alfalfa weevils and potato leaf hoppers because it attracts these pests.

It does repel some pests, most notably Lygus bugs.

Add alfalfa to the compost pile or compost tumbler. It is high in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins.