Hairy Vetch

Start growing in September in my raised beds as the crops end. Grows like crazy during fall, winter and spring. Loves cold weather really thrives. Spring I cut it down put in compost pile. I do mix some in the soil. Really puts a lot of nitrogen in your soil making it healthy. Very easy to grow keeping your soil alive during the winter. A must you will see a plus next year in your crops. Just spread some seeds in your soil and cover a little will be sprouting in a week. Water and keep moist then water when needed. Has pretty purple flowers late winter into spring.

I planted with my corn and it pulled some of the stalks over. I would do it again though. Corn germinated too slowly and vetch took right off. I try to replace some nitrogen while the corn is growing. This vetch is amazing. It is up over my head.

I planted some for the first time this year with great results and I need more! I have the hardiest weeds imaginable. I swear some grow to 10 feet high. I've been trying to battled them naturally and hairy vetch was very effective in areas where I did not mow it before it bloomed. I planted around some newly planted Sugar Maple Trees. I also planted some trees without it as a control. Weeds were prolific without the Hairy Vetch. I want to plant it everywhere and try to replace my grass between rows in the garden.