Non-GMO Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa), is also known as Sand Vetch. It is a legume, used as a cover crop to restore nitrogen to the soil. It can fix up to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Grows in zones 1-5, and can be planted in the spring, or the fall. Great way to restore nitrogen to your garden for healthier plants.
Hairy Vetch - Cover Crop Seeds
Latin Name: Vicia villosaVariety: Legume
Other Names: Sand Vetch
Planting Per Acre: 50 lbs
Plant Type: Annual
Hardiness Zone: 1-5
Uses: Cover Crop
Temp Preference: Cooler
Light Preference: Full Sun
Resistances: None
Benefits: Nitrogen fixer, biomass and forage producer
- 1 lb - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 100,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Approximately 500,000 Seeds
Hairy Vetch does better in sandy soils than other cover crops, and it also breaks down into nitrogen faster than other cover cover crops. It’s a bright green plant, with small purple flowers. It grows tall, in a vine like shape. Hairy Vetch generally will not survive the winter unless there is a snow cover. Plants can be mulch into the soil before planting other crops to provide a natural mulch, and a much richer soil. Tomatoes are especially healthy when planted after Hairy Vetch.
Read more about Cover Crops:
- True Leaf Market Blog - Cover Crops the Why, What, When, and How