BACHELOR PAD

Joint Vetch (Aeschynomene americana)
Warm-seasonlegume that thrives in moist, low-lying soils and keeps pumpinghigh-protein forage deep into summer.

Why it’s in Bachelor Pad™

• 20–25% crude protein in leafy growth; highly palatable and browse-tolerant once established.
• Nitrogen-fixing—improves soil and reduces the need for added N.
• Moist-soil champion: Performs where many legumes struggle (edges, bottoms, damp flats).
• Long graze window: Produces quality forage through late summer and can reseed if allowed to set seed.

Planting basics

• When: After last frost when soil ≥ 65°F (late spring–early summer).
• Soils & pH: Best on moist, well-drained to periodically wet sites; pH 5.5–7.0.
• Depth: ⅛–¼ inch; firm seed-to-soil contact.
• Fertilizer: Follow soil test; supply P & K as recommended; little to no N.
• Inoculation: Use the appropriate legume inoculant for best nodulation.

Rates (for reference)

• In blends: typically 2–5 lbs/ac.
• Solo plots: 8–12 lbs/ac drilled; 10–15 lbs/ac broadcast, then cultipack.

Management tips

• Slow starter: Control early weeds; pairing with faster legumes (cowpeas, lablab) helps nurse it along.
• Withstands heavy browsing once rooted.
• Not frost tolerant; production continues until the first hard frost.
• For reseeding potential, allow a strip to flower and set seed late summer.

Great companions: cowpeas, lablab, alyce clover; light nurse grasses like millet or sorghum (avoid heavy grass competition).

Alyce Clover (Alysicarpus vaginalis)
Fast-establishing, warm-season annual legume that stays tender and palatable through the heat of summer.

Why it’s in Bachelor Pad™

• 20–25% crude protein in leafy growth for antlers, body condition, and milk production.
• Nitrogen-fixing—builds soil fertility and reduces N needs.
• Heat & drought tolerant once established; rebounds well after grazing.
• Quick canopy helps shade weeds and complements vining legumes.

Planting basics

• When: After last frost when soil ≥ 65°F (spring–early summer).
• Soils & pH: Best on well-drained sandy/loam soils; pH 5.5–7.0.
• Depth: ⅛–¼ inch; firm seed-to-soil contact.
• Fertilizer: Follow soil test; supply P & K, little to no N.
• Inoculation: Use an appropriate cowpea-type legume inoculant for best nodulation.

Rates (for reference)

• In blends: typically 2–5 lbs/ac.
• Solo plots: 10–15 lbs/ac drilled; 15–20 lbs/ac broadcast, then cultipack.

Management tips

• Early browse can be heavy—plant adequate acreage or protect until well rooted.
• Avoid broadleaf herbicides (it’s a legume); start with a clean, firm seedbed.
• Not frost tolerant—production continues until first hard frost.
• Can reseed in warm climates if a strip is allowed to flower and set seed.

Great companions: cowpeas, lablab, joint vetch; light nurse grasses like millet or sorghum (avoid heavy grass competition).

Lablab (Dolichos lablab)
Heat-loving, drought-tough vining legume that pumps out high-protein forage through the heart of summer.

Why it’s in Bachelor Pad™

• 25–30% crude protein in leafy growth for antler, body, and milk production.
• Nitrogen-fixing—builds soil and reduces N fertilizer needs.
• Handles heat & dry spells once established; rebounds well after browsing.
• Vining habit spreads and climbs, creating dense biomass and shading weeds.

Planting basics

• When: Plant after last frost when soil ≥ 65°F (spring–early summer).
• Soils & pH: Well-drained; pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal.
• Depth: ½–1 inch; firm seed-to-soil contact.
• Fertilizer: Follow soil test; supply P & K, little to no N.

Rates (for reference)

• In blends: typically 3–8 lbs/ac.
• Solo plots: 20–25 lbs/ac drilled; 25–35 lbs/ac broadcast, then cultipack.

Management tips

• Early browse pressure can be heavy—plant adequate acreage or protect until vining.
• Avoid broadleaf herbicides (it’s a legume); manage weeds with timing, mowing edges, or spraying appropriate herbicides.
• Not frost tolerant—production runs until first hard frost.

Great companions: cowpeas, joint vetch, sunn hemp, or a light trellis crop (e.g., sorghum) to help it climb.