What I used last winter was Schultz Plant Food which is a powder that I mixed with water. I still have a large container of it. If I used alfalfa, I would use the pellets because that is what we have on hand. I would let it brew overnight in water. The Schultz Plant Food will be a lot less trouble, especially in cold weather.
That is a good point that you have made about the alfalfa meal being unhealthy if inhaled. We all need to read about the insecticides, fertizers, etc. that we use and be sure to use masks and gloves if unhealthy when applied. I remember years ago that each time I put out Sevin dust, I got a headache. I have not used the dust in a long time. I do not want to destroy the good insects that help us destroy the bad ones or the bees and butterflies that fly from plant to plant. I've gotten off topic...
Doris
