Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa)

Boost soil fertility and suppress weeds naturally with Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) seeds. A hardy, nitrogen-fixing cover crop ideal for organic gardening, erosion control, and sustainable farming. 

Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) is a vigorous, cold-hardy legume widely used as a cover crop for improving soil health and fertility. Known for its powerful nitrogen-fixing ability, dense foliage, and adaptability, Hairy Vetch enriches soil naturally without synthetic fertilizers while providing excellent weed suppression and erosion control.

Perfect for gardeners, farmers, and landscapers, Hairy Vetch thrives in temperate climates, tolerates a wide range of soils, and delivers long-lasting benefits for sustainable land management. Whether you’re preparing for next season’s crops or seeking to enhance soil structure, this resilient cover crop is a trusted choice in regenerative agriculture.

Key Features

Nitrogen-fixing legume for natural soil enrichment

Provides dense ground cover to suppress weeds

Improves soil structure and organic matter

Adaptable to USDA Zones 3–10

Cold-tolerant and overwintering in many climates

Supports erosion control and water retention

Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

Excellent companion for crop rotation and green manure

Nutrient Profile

Nitrogen Fixation: Adds 90–200 lbs of nitrogen per acre

Soil Health: Boosts organic matter and improves tilth

Growth Habit: Vining legume with sprawling cover

Flowers: Purple blooms beneficial for pollinators

Adaptability: Thrives in loamy soils, tolerates clay with good drainage

pH Range: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Best Uses / Plant Types

Cover crop for farms and gardens

Soil improvement in crop rotation systems

Weed suppression and erosion control

Forage for livestock and wildlife

Companion planting with grains like rye or oats

Benefits & Performance

Naturally reduces fertilizer costs

Protects soil from compaction and nutrient leaching

Provides a lush, green mulch layer when terminated

Improves water infiltration and retention

Helps prepare soil for high-yield planting seasons

How & When to Apply

Planting Time:

Fall (30–45 days before first frost) for overwintering

Early spring for quick cover before summer crops

Seeding Rate:

20–40 lbs per acre (broadcast)

15–20 lbs per acre (drilled)

Depth: ½ – 1 inch deep

Maintenance: Minimal; mow or till in before seed set for best results

Termination: Incorporate into soil in late spring for maximum nitrogen release

Why Choose Old Cobblers Farm Wicked Hairy Vetch

Premium, high-purity seed with tested germination rates

Non-GMO and chemical-free for sustainable farming

Trusted by farmers and gardeners nationwide

Packed for freshness with clear labeling (purity, germination, lot number)

Backed by Old Cobblers Farm’s commitment to eco-friendly agriculture

Ideal For

Organic gardeners seeking natural soil fertility

Farmers practicing sustainable or regenerative agriculture

Erosion control projects on sloped land

Wildlife plots for deer, turkey, and beneficial insects

Green manure for enriching soil before vegetable crops

Available Sizes

5 lb bag – great for small yards or overseeding patches

10 lb bag – ideal for medium lawns

15 lb bag – perfect for larger residential lawns

20 lb bag – best for professional landscapers and parks