When to Plant and Harvest Hairy Vetch
Winter-hardy legume cover crop that fixes nitrogen; sow early enough for several weeks of fall growth
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Best Time and Place to Plant Hairy Vetch
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Hairy Vetch in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | June 16 to July 14 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | June 27 to July 25 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | July 7 to August 4 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | July 17 to August 14 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 1 to August 29 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | August 11 to September 8 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | August 23 to September 20 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 6 to October 4 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to October 29 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 21 to November 18 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.75 inches deep
- Spacing: 2 inches apart, 6 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep seedbed moist until seedlings establish; then water during dry fall spells
- Days to harvest: 200
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before sowing
- Inoculant (Rhizobium) organic: Treat seed per package for nitrogen fixation
Companion Plants
- Winter Rye
- Oats
- Winter Peas
Avoid Planting Near
- Last-minute sowings with only a few weeks before hard freeze in cold zones
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Vines are established and covering soil before a hard freeze
- Stand survives winter in zones where it is hardy
- Terminate in spring at early bloom for easiest incorporation
- Pair with rye if you need stronger winter ground cover
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Hairy Vetch?
Hairy Vetch planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Hairy Vetch?
The best time of year to plant Hairy Vetch is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Hairy Vetch?
Plant Hairy Vetch in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Hairy Vetch?
Plant Hairy Vetch about 2 inches apart, with rows around 6 inches apart.
What grows well with Hairy Vetch?
Hairy Vetch is commonly paired with Winter Rye, Oats, Winter Peas.
How long does Hairy Vetch take to grow?
Hairy Vetch is typically ready to harvest in about 200 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Hairy Vetch?
Harvest Hairy Vetch when vines are established and covering soil before a hard freeze. Stand survives winter in zones where it is hardy Terminate in spring at early bloom for easiest incorporation