Patio, Garden and Home Info

In many areas the ending of fall and the beginning of winter is a good time to begin thoughts of planting rye grass. Rye grass comes in annual and perennial types and will give you a wonderful green lawn that will grow fast and will be alive while other grasses are dormant. Rye grass is one of the early grasses in the spring and can also be a temporary ground cover or can be used to supplement other grasses.

Growing rye grass is remarkably easy compared to some fussy grasses. About all rye grass seed needs is contact with the earth and water. It can be hand sown by broadcasting it, or applied using hand spreaders or automated spreaders with little trouble. It will do best the more contact seed has with soil, however, so for optimum results, a little preparation for planting rye grass is needed.

When there is a great deal of ground covering that is not wanted, it should be dealt with by cutting it close, killing with herbicide, or burned off. When using herbicides take special care to follow the directions given about how long you must wait to plant following use, and which plants to avoid. Burning will not be viable in some areas as it is not permitted, or may be restricted do to dry conditions that increase risk of fire. Check it out before you decide to burn.

When planting rye grass, or anything else for that matter, you should first test the soil and correct pH and nutrient levels. In short, the steps to follow are; test, fertilize, water, then sow the seeds. Continue to water regularly for the best chance at germination. You’ll be impressed with the lush green turf rye grass provides.

Rye grass prevents erosion, as it acts as a fast spreading ground cover that dies off when the soil is needed to plant crops. Breaking down readily, it feeds the soil after its death, and adds value to the land that it was planted on. It also helps control infestations of nematodes in susceptible crops.

Rye grass can be used in conjunction with other grasses to give a good year round appearance, but it is also a great grass to use independently of other seed. It is a good idea to contact your local agricultural resource, a popular garden store chain, or a seed dealer. They should be able to tell you what is the best fit for your particular situation, either rye grass, which only lasts for one season, or a perennial grass which will return year after year. You may also find information online that can steer you to the best choice, and how to care for it. Rye grass remains a great, easy choice that provides color through the colder months.

For many locations, the end of autumn and the approach of winter is time to start thinking about planting rye grass. Rye grass provides a beautiful green turf that grows quickly and can be lively when ordinary grasses are dormant for the winter. Compared to some fussy grasses, growing rye grass is remarkably easy. Rye grass comes in annual and perennial varieties so contact a seed and feed dealer or garden supply store if you are unsure to your own needs. You may also ask for guidance from your county agricultural department. For a green lawn this winter, choose rye grass.