Hairy Vetch - what am I supposed to do with it?

O.K. so I have just realized that I have vetch, I believe hairy vetch, growing around on the property. 

I have been pulling it up because I didn't know what it was.  I have heard that you are supposed to plant vetch and not get rid of it.  I see seeds sold everywhere but I am not understanding what I am supposed to do with it.

Hairy vetch is often used as a covercrop, it adds organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. It is planted in the summer (August, September) and it will overwinter all the way to next June, where you can then make use of the improved soil.

Thanks! 

Reminds me of my purslane fiasco; I read all of these great things about purslane so when I went in search of this miracle plant so that I could have some in my garden.......I find that I have been pulling up by the handfuls for years.  I guess that is what learning is all about 

Either use it as a mulching material, or put it in your compost pile.  It is a very good source of Nitrogen.  In a compost pile, it will balance out a large quantity of "brown" (carbon).  It is a great addition to a pile of straw, or sawdust.

I've got a little guild going at a friend's place...

A grand mix of white dutch clover, crimson clover, red clover, hairy vetch, with wonder beans climbing Jersey Giant sunflowers....

I'd suggest always leaving vetch as it is.

Peace -

Thanks for the replies.  I think I see the vetch at the bottom of the pic.  I can't find any to take pics of right now    I hope I have not successfully gotten rid of all mine.  At least I'll know what to do with it if it shows up again - leave it alone!