Common vetch - Green manure

Common vetch is a fast-growing annual green manure that creates a lot of plant mass. Vetch is a member of the legume family (Leguminosae). These profusely flowering plants are very important for bees and other pollinators. They can also absorb nitrogen from the air and improve the soil structure with their strong rooting. The crop dies in winter.

Common vetch does not cover the soil completely, so sowing this green manure won’t be effective in suppressing weeds. One solution is to mix in other seeds such as sunflower or winter rye.

Common vetch also performs well in mixtures. A good example is vetch with black oats. These two species complement one another in terms of their nitrogen consumption. Together they make additional nitrogen available for the next crop.

Sow: May-mid September
Soil: suitable for all soil types