Winter Rye, (Secale cereale - not to be confused with ryegrass Lolium) a great cover crop for protecting gardens, and can be tilled into the soil for green manure, or used as a mulch. Annual in zones 3-11. Winter Rye is an excellent winter field cover crop because it rapidly produces a ground cover that holds soil in place against the forces of wind and water. Rye's deep roots help prevent compaction in annually tilled fields and, because its roots are quite extensive, winter rye also has a positive effect on soil tilth. Seeding Rate: ~1 lbs/1000 sq ft or 40 lbs/Acre
Winter Rye - Cover Crop Seeds
Latin Name: Secale cerealeVariety: Rye
Other Names: Cereal Rye, Grain Rye
Planting Per Acre: 20-50 lbs
Plant Type: Annual
Hardiness Zone: 3-11
Uses: Cover Crop
Temp Preference: Wamer
Light Preference: Full Sun
Resistances: None
Benefits: Nitrogen fixer
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inches
Seeding Rate: ~1 lbs/1000 sq ft or 40 lbs/Acre
Winter Rye can be planted later than other winter cover crops. Winter rye can help break up muddy, clay like soil.Winter Rye is an annual in most zones, but prefers colder areas. Winter rye returns many valuable nutrients to the soil, including nitrogen. Excessive sunlight in the spring will cause the rye to flower. Rye should be planted with other legume cover crops such as Hairy Vetch, or White Dutch Clover. Cut before the seeds have set for mulch. For green manure, till into soil at any stage of growth.
NOTE: Winter Rye Cover Crop is NOT the same as Winter Rye Lawn Grass.
Read more about Cover Crops:
- True Leaf Market Blog - Cover Crops the Why, What, When, and How