Hairy Vetch

[cdaly1971]

I am at a loss. I planted Hairy Vetch in my raised garden beds last month after I cleaned up for winter. It's come in nicely. Now, when I mow it down in the spring; do I till it in or leave it on the surface as a mulch?

[aikenjones]

Hairy vetch is grown as an annual or winter annual. In spring, the plant produces 3 to 10 long, weak, branching stems or vines 3 to 6 ft long. The leaves have 12 to 20 leaflets and terminate with tendrils. When hairy vetch is spring sown, it will bloom and produce some seeds.

[Hortman]

Hello cdaly1971. Ken here with The Home Depot in the Chicago area.
Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is a great cover crop. In the spring, mow it to
the ground and do not till it in. It will provide nitrogen and act as a mulch,
which will prevent weeds and maintain moisture content in the soil. Good
luck with your spring planting. Take care.