SUMMAET OF ALFALFA SOWING. 483 



put out a new growth. Eeally, we cut the nurse-crop 

 when the alfalfa is ready. This usually comes at the 

 time when the barley is in head but before grain has 

 formed. Do not, imless under exceptional condi- 

 tions, allow the grain to ripen. This would weaken 

 the alfalfa materially. 



Times of Sowing Considered. — ^Alfalfa is perhaps 

 not hardy against March freezes, but hardy against 

 the frosts of April. Foxtail grass and many weeds 

 are killed by frost. Therefore, alfalfa sown the first 

 week in April or thereabouts will make a cleaner 

 stand than it will sown in May or June. Neverthe- 

 less one can with success sow alfalfa in the combelt 

 any time from March till the last of August, with 

 the chances for success declining as he passes July, 

 for then he will not get a root strong enough to with- 

 stand the liftings of winter's frosts. 



Spring or Midsummer Seeding. — ^In land much in- 

 fested with weeds, as are the lands of Illinois and 

 some adjacent states, spring seeding is advised 

 against because the strong growth of weeds injures 

 the young alfalfa. In all the region^ south of the 

 Ohio Eiver crabgrass and weeds (crabgrass mainly) 

 come up to choke spring-sown alfalfa. In these 

 regions then it may be best sown after midsummer, 

 from July 15 to Sept. 1. In Illinois it is especially 

 recommended that alfalfa be sown in early August. 

 Let us consider this by regions. 



Sowing in Illinois. — In Illinois and similar lati- 

 tudes the essentials are: 



First, the liming, if, as is likely, the land needs 

 lime. 



