Cultivating

Under some conditions, it is, in a sense, necessary to

sow alfalfa in rows, and to give it cultivation during the first season

and sometimes for a longer period. In some parts of Florida, for

instance, the most satisfactory results have been obtained from sowing

in rows with 12 to 24 inches between the rows, and then to cultivate

between these as may be necessary to keep down the growth of weeds.

Under some conditions also in the Atlantic States, the most satisfactory

results have been obtained from sowing alfalfa in rows 14 to 16 inches

apart and cultivating between them. Even hand hoeing the first season

may be justifiable along the line of the rows for small areas, but with

the price of labor as at present, would be too costly for large areas.

When grown in rows as indicated in the Atlantic States and westward from

these, the yields of seed have been more satisfactory than when sown

broadcast, but the crop is less satisfactory for hay, owing to the

coarse and uneven character of the stems. The amounts of seed wanted for

such sowing will, of course, vary chiefly with the distance between the

rows. As small an amount as 6 pounds or even less will in some instances

suffice per acre.