Description
Hairy Vetch/Standard Vetch are annual winter hardy legumes. High nitrogen producers, they are commonly grown as a cover crop or green manure crop. Hairy Vetch is known for its better frost tolerance than Standard Vetch. Growing rapidly during the winter months, this provides a good ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds.
Hairy Vetch/Standard Vetch has a climbing/vine form that can grow 1-3 meters in length. They have small, green leaves and produce clusters of purple or pink flowers in the spring. Hairy Vetch/Standard Vetch grows well in a range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH greater than 6.0. An effective soil conditioner, it acts as a subsoiler, particularly aerating compacted topsoil. Hairy Vetch/Standard Vetch is perfect to be paired with other cover crop species. It is a palatable forage for livestock with tender nutritious leaves and stems during the winter and early spring months.