Crop Rotation Group
Legumes (Pea and Bean family)
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Soil
Any average, well drained soil.
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Position
Full sun to partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
Many varieties are cold hardy to -20F (- 29C) when well rooted in the garden.
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Feeding
When using hairy vetch to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting will give better results.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 3" (10cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 3" (10cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow hairy vetch in late summer so the plants can become established before cold weather comes. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 3 inches (7 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. No thinning is required.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Hairy vetch stays small through winter and makes vigorous growth in spring. It is highly recommended as a cover crop to grow before tomatoes.
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Harvesting
Take down plants in spring, 3 weeks before the bed is needed for summer vegetables. The easiest method is to slice plants off at the soil line with a sharp hoe. The cut plants can be allowed to dry into a surface mulch.
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Troubleshooting
Hairy vetch can become weedy if allowed to produce mature seeds.
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