Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) and other cover crops
Even if you have a small garden, 10' x 20' or even smaller, you might want to consider planting a green manure in the fall. This practice helps to prevent erosion and adds valuable nutrients to your garden soil. 
There are many types of grains and legumes that can serve this purpose such as crimson clover, red clover, white clover, field peas, alfalfa, rye, oilseed radish and hairy vetch (pictured above). Sow cover crop seeds in the fall after you've pulled all the dead vegetable and flower plants out. Rake lightly to slightly cover the seeds. Come spring, till this crop into the soil before you plant your spring veggies such as lettuce, carrots, peas and other cold crops. Lots of options are available at Johnny's Seeds.
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Posted by Mary Ellen at September 9, 2008 6:00 AM
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and hardly found any specific details on other sites, but then great to be here, seriously, thanks...
- Josh
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