Vetch, Hairy

Hairy Vetch Vicia villosa 'Hairy Vetch', also known as ‘Sand Vetch’, ‘Winter Vetch’, and ‘Woolypod Vetch, among others, is native to most northern areas of Europe and Asia. Although not indigenous to North America, it is now cultivated in nearly all parts.Historically it has been used as fodder for dairy cows. It is thought to improve the quality and increase the production of milk. As a nitrogen fixing legume, we use it as part of our green manuring / cover crop mix to help improve the soil in our fields.'Hairy Vetch' will grow quite dense and luscious and reach about twelve – twenty inches in height. It can be sown in most areas in early fall or early spring. Although it will sprout and get established, winter growth will be minimal but will take off when the right spring conditions arrive.Like most field and cover crops, broadcast sow the seeds onto well prepared soil and then scratch in so that good soil contact is made. Seeds should not be covered more than 3/4 of an inch.  In