Short-term, legume green manure for nitrogen fixation.
Sow spring to late summer with or without grain, grass, or field peas. When sown in late summer, spring regrowth is vigorous and nitrogen producing for tilling in before planting the spring garden crops. Typical nitrogen produced is 110 lbs./acre. This rapid spring growth also makes it a good weed suppressant. Hairy vetch prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0, and will do poorly in clay or wet fields. It will do well in soils too acidic for many clovers and alfalfas. May have some allelopathic properties, so it is best to allow 2-3 weeks between incorporating and seeding of small-seeded crops. This selected hardy strain is widely adapted and withstands all but severe winters if sown in late summer or fall. Sow at 1 lb./1,000 sq.ft. (40 lb./acre) with rye or oats. Inoculate with Garden Combination Inoculant (#7531) or Pea, Vetch, and Lentil Inoculant (#7534) for best performance. Blue label/Certified seed. USDA Certified Organic. Avg. 14,200 seeds/lb.