Nesty Chicken Vetch Sowing Seeds

Nitrogen is a key nutrient for plant growth and production, playing a vital role in forming chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis, and amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. While plants can't access nitrogen directly from the air, they have a clever partnership with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These microorganisms capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a plant-friendly form, usually ammonia, which the plant can use to grow and develop. In exchange for energy from the plant’s photosynthesis, these bacteria ensure nitrogen is readily available, supporting the plant’s tissue formation and overall growth.Essentially, nitrogen-fixing bacteria do what crops can’t—turn atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use to thrive!

Fertilising your vetch is important because it provides essential nutrients that might be lacking in the soil, helping plants grow strong, healthy, and productive. We encourage you to use a product that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur.

While raw chicken manure is too potent to apply directly to flowers or vegetables, it becomes garden gold once composted! Using it fresh can harm plant roots and potentially kill your plants. However, when properly composted, chicken manure brings a host of benefits. It acts as an excellent soil amendment by adding organic matter, enhancing water retention, and promoting healthy microbial activity in the soil. Additionally, it serves as a potent fertiliser, providing higher concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than horse, cow, or steer manure, making it an ideal natural boost for your plants.

The advantages of feeding and growing vetch for poultry: o High Protein Content: Vetch is rich in protein, which is essential for the growth and development of livestock, particularly for animals like poultry, sheep, and cattle. o Energy-Rich Forage: It provides a good source of energy for animals, supporting their overall health and productivity. o Rich in Minerals: Vetch contains vital minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which contribute to strong bones, muscle function, and overall wellbeing of livestock. o Palatability: Vetch is highly palatable, meaning animals are more likely to graze on it willingly, leading to better nutrition intake. o Improved Digestibility: The fibre content in vetch is well-balanced, aiding in better digestion and absorption of nutrients in livestock. o Nitrogen Fixation for Soil: While not a direct nutritional benefit for animals, vetch enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, improving soil fertility and promoting better crop growth in rotations, indirectly benefiting livestock that graze on subsequent crops.

No, the vetch purchased from Nesty is designed to be sown in the soil then grazed or mulched back in as a cover crop for your vegetable garden.

Vetch is a fantastic companion with annual ryegrass or cereal oats.