Hairy vetch makes an excellent cover crop for home gardens.
Although the leaves are edible, hairy vetch seeds are toxic when ingested by humansor livestock.
Despite the traits that make hairy vetch a highly valuable plant, there is one downside.
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It can be planted inUSDA Zones 4-10and in Zone 3 with protection from the cold.
If the area is large, use a roller to press the seeds into the soil.
Ideally, thin the seedlings to approximately 3 inches apart after they germinate.
Finally, water the area thoroughly and keep it evenly moist.
Seedlings will begin to appear one to two weeks after sowing.
Hairy Vetch Care Tips
Light
Hairy vetch grows best infull sun.
It will also grow in part shade.
Soil and Water
This plant prefers moist,well-drained soilbut has good drought tolerance.
Hairy vetch is sensitive to being water-logged.
Temperature and Humidity
In mild winter regions, hairy vetch grows throughout the cooler winter season.
In the coldest regions, hairy vetch can be sown in spring and then grown throughout the cooler summers.
However, ahigh-phosphorus productimproves the plant’s growth.
Apply it according to the instructions on the packaging.
Pruning
Hairy vetch is a climber, and it can take over nearby plants.
Keep it cut back to a compact size to avoid unwanted spread.
Remove any dead or damaged leaves to improve the appearance of the plant.
Treat aphids with insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Slugs and snails can becontrolled using non-toxic bait.
Flowering plants should never be sprayed with insecticides while in bloom to avoid killing the pollinators.
Theplant can be divided.
Dig up an established section of hairy vetch and cut it into 4-inch sections using a sharp spade.
Replant the sections immediately.
It won’t be long before they send up new shoots.
It is a reliable source of green manure.
Plant thiswinter-hardy biennialin the fall and watch it explode with substantial growth in spring.
It blooms two weeks earlier than most other hairy vetch cultivars.
Whether in the field or home garden, hairy vetch is anexcellent food source for native pollinators.
Cover crops control the growth of weeds by blocking or covering the soil and suppressing weed seed germination.
In dry regions, cover crops trap moisture in the soil and increase organic matter.
This ability to climb gives hairy vetch a leg up as it reaches toward the sky.
Without support, most grow to 3 feet, but with support, the vines may reach 12 feet.
When left without support, hairy vetch grows into sprawling, fluffy mounds.
Vetch, common vetch, poor mans peas, Vicia sativa.
May 13, 2020.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.wildfooduk.com/wild-plants/vetch-3/.
