Hairy Vetch - Key Growing Information
Uses: A vigorous vining legume that is very cold-hardy and adapts to many conditions. It fixes nitrogen well and releases it quickly after termination.
Culture: Spring sowing is possible, but it's usually planted in fall with a winter-hardy grain as an overwintering cover. Sow at least 30–40 days before a killing frost for best results. Drill ½–1" deep into a well-prepared bed, or broadcast and rake or disc it in lightly. Treat seed with a pea/vetch inoculant for nitrogen fixation. Sown in late summer or fall, it survives all but the harshest winters.
Seeding Rate: 1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft., or 25–40 lb. per acre. Lower rates work when drilling; use higher rates when broadcasting or sowing late. It pairs well with rye or oats; 20–25 lb. of vetch plus 70 lb. of winter rye per acre works in many situations.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; best pH 6.0–7.0.
Height: 3–4'
Termination: Fall-sown vetch grows vigorously in spring. It's easiest to kill after flowering, but it produces hard seed and can turn weedy if not terminated before seed sets. Mowing or crimping works if timed for full bloom and is less effective earlier. Tillage works but is hard going without mowing first because of the tangled vines. Tarping is effective, usually best after mowing or crimping.
