How long does it take hairy vetch to grow?
If farmers miss the critical window for planting hairy vetch (typically 40 to 50 days before the first killing frost, or mid-August to mid-September here in Berks County, Pennsylvania), the data shows that dormant seeding may be their next best bet.
Will hairy vetch reseed itself?
You can even get the mulch for free, or at the minimal cost of seed, if you grow your own. Hairy vetch, as a winter annual, will sprout in the fall, overwinter, regrow in spring, go to seed and die.
How do you identify hairy vetch?
Spherical shape, mottled-brown, black, gray. Important Identifying Characteristics: Hairy vetch has a vine structure and its stems grow from 2 to 4 inches in length. Blue-violet 20-32 florets in long racemes.
How do you grow hairy vetch?
To plant hairy vetch, plow the soil as you would for any regular crop. Broadcast the seed over the soil at the rate recommended on the seed package – usually 1 to 2 pounds of seed for every 1,000 square feet of garden space. Cover the seeds with about ½ inch of soil, then water well.
Does hairy vetch make good hay?
Hairy vetch is also used as fodder and can be grazed, or cut for hay and silage. It is commonly grown with a small grain crop (rye, wheat or oats) or with annual ryegrass to provide good quality forage (Hannaway et al., 2004).
How long does vetch take to germinate?
10 – 14 days
Germination: 10 – 14 days. Ideal temperature for germination is about 68 degrees F. If the soil temperature is too cold, the seed will not germinate. Plant vetch 30 to 45 days before killing frost for winter annual management.
What is the difference between hairy vetch and common vetch?
They both have ferny foliage reminiscent of sweet peas with purple flowers that give way to small seed pods that look just like pea pods; however, they are non-edible. The main difference between the two species is size: hairy vetch grows as a sprawling mass about knee high, while common vetch can get waist high.
Is hairy vetch edible?
The young shoots are edible raw, but better cooked. Vetch is a pretty good potherb, if you go for the younger leaves. It has a mild, grassy flavor that’s a lot like spinach, collards, or turnips.
Is vetch an invasive plant?
Cow vetch and hairy vetch are invasive species. Cow vetch and hairy vetch spread over other vegetation, smothering it. These plants usually don’t cause problems in healthy native prairies. Cow and hairy vetch can be problematic in prairie restoration sites or other disturbed areas.
Is vetch good for soil?
Benefits. Hairy vetch fixes large amounts of nitrogen (N) that help meet N needs of the following crop, protects soil from erosion, helps improve soil tilth, and provides weed control during its vigorous growth in the spring and when left as a dead mulch at the soil surface.
Will cattle eat hairy vetch?
Hairy Vetch is a nitrogen-fixing plant that works well as a cover crop. However, it is not recommended for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses. The mortality rate for affected animals ranges from 50-100%, typically as a result of kidney failure.