skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Soil, Compost & Mulch
nevermore44

Hairy Vetch Allelopathic properties

9 years ago

Wondering if there are other home gardeners out there that use hairy vetch and if they have run into any allelopathic issues when planting seeds after. I have been using hairy vetch for 5-6 years now. I plant in late fall, it grows to about 4-6 inches before the winter stops it... then it takes off in the spring to at least a foot before I deal with it. There are tons of the nodules on the roots. Typically since there is so much top growth in the spring, I just scalp the top growth to the ground... and toss it in the compost. The roots stay and rot. I plant various veggie seeds, plant starts, etc without issue.

This year though, I scalped it like normal but then just left the green blanket of top growth on the surface and covered it all with 2 inches of my semi-screened compost. I had seeded several weeks later... spinach, lettuces, snow peas. None came up very well at all. Should I assume this is from the vetch? or just some other gardening issue.

Featured Answer
  • 9 years ago

    The high N residue has an anti-germination effect which organic farmer market types are aware of. Given time it dissipates. It does not come from the roots or the live plant. HV is something you plant ahead of transplants, not ahead of direct seeding. I note that cereal rye, HV companion in many cover crops, is truly allelopathic. It is the same phenomenon, though. It will not inhibit a tomato transplant but will stop tomato seeds from germinating. One more point in favor of oats/daikon/buckwheat, which nearly completely disappear over winter.

    Comments (6)

    Related Stories
    GARDENING GUIDESWhat to Do This Fall to Build Healthy Garden Soil
    By Lauren Dunec Hoang
    Take advantage of the cool season to improve soil texture and replenish nutrients
    Full Story
    31
    Sponsored
    More Discussions
    Isn't it about time for ice-out ,return of the loons and ,,,,,,,,
    25
    Question about applying sulfur dust
    1
    Mulch and I don't mean wood.
    15
    Using Biochar In Addition to Sized Bark in Gritty Mix
    3
    Adding native clay to old beds that were mainly bagged soil
    3