Hairy Vetch Cover Crop

Hairy Vetch can be planted in either early spring or late-summer/fall and is winter hardy, putting on lots of quick, green growth in spring on sprawling long vines. The thick mats of vines are great at adding organic matter, and are excellent for weed suppression. Said to be one of the best nitrogen-fixers, reportedly more efficient than peas. The plants will thrive even in acidic soils. It is best to mow hairy vetch just as blooming begins, for optimal nitrogen fixation, and to ensure that the plants die before setting seed, as vetch can become a weed if allowed to re-seed. The mowed plants can be left in place as a natural mulch for no-till planting, or incorporated into the soil for organic matter.

Sow by early fall (September in zone 5) for plants that will over winter and put on lush growth in early spring. Seed a nurse crop such as oats for better winter survival.

Garden Pack: 1/8 pound, sows roughly 125 square feet

Homestead Pack: ¼ pound, sows roughly 300 square feet

Farm Pack: 1 pound, sows roughly 2,000 square feet

This seed product is not included in our free shipping offer.