Hairy Vetch - Fixes Nitrogen of Other Crops

This nitrogen fixer is a lanky and sprawling, but versatile legume that is fairly tolerant of acid soils and light shade. It can be mowed down in spring to supply good mulch. Hardy to Zone 4: -34°C (-30°F). 325g covers approximately 100 ft². Sow Hairy Vetch Organic cover crop seeds from early March to mid-April, and again August to mid-September. 
NOTE: Hairy Vetch seeds are toxic to chickens, so plant out of the way of foraging flocks or cut the vetch while it is just starting to bloom.
(Open-pollinated seeds)
 
Certified organic seeds
Shade tolerant
Lanky, sprawling and versatile>
Use 13.6kg (30 lbs)
Open-pollinated seeds
 
Sow vetch as early as the ground can be worked, and on into late spring. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.
 
Starting
Sow seeds 5-10mm (¼-½") deep.
 
Growing
For nitrogen fixation, allow plants to reach the flowering stage. We recommend cutting the abundant vegetation and leaving it on the soil as a mulch against weeds, to retain moisture, and provide insect habitat. Otherwise, work the long vines and their roots into the soil with a garden fork.