SUMMARY OF ALFALFA SOWING. 483 
put out a new growth. Really, 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, unless 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 cornbelt 
any time from March fill 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 regions south of the 
Ohio River 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. 
