Ryegrass - Key Growing Information
Uses: A fast grass for quick green cover, erosion control and cover cropping. It sprouts and establishes faster than winter rye and copes with tough, dry conditions. How well it survives winter depends on how harsh the season is and how much snow cover there is.
Culture: Plant shallow, either broadcast on the surface or drilled ½" deep; broadcast seed needs enough moisture to germinate well. Sow any time from spring to early fall.
Seeding Rate: ½–1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.; 15–30 lb. per acre. In a mix with a legume, use one-third of the solo rate for ryegrass and two-thirds of the solo rate for clover.
Light/Soil Requirements: Prefers full sun, medium to high fertility and good drainage, but grows in nearly any soil and tolerates flooding. Best pH is 6.0–7.0.
Height: 24–36"
Harvest: As a green manure, plow or disk it in at early bloom, before it sets seed. Crops planted right after ryegrass can be held back because nitrogen is temporarily tied up in the soil, so wait at least 3–4 weeks after tilling before sowing the next crop.
Termination: Tilling while it's still vegetative works but may take several passes to kill it fully. Tarping for 2–3 weeks is effective, especially in warm months. Terminate before seed set, since ryegrass can turn weedy. Winter survival depends on the variety and varies from year to year.
