Planting Rye Grass For Easy Green Winter Lawns

For many locations, the end of autumn and the approach of winter is time to start thinking about planting rye grass. Rye grass, which comes in both annual and perennial types, provides a beautiful green turf that grows quickly and can be lively when ordinary grasses are dormant for the winter. It also is one of the earliest spring grasses and is also used for temporary ground covers or to augment other grasses.

Many grass varieties are difficult and ornery to grow. However, rye grass is easy to plant and grow. Seed the soil and water it. That's about all there is to growing rye grass. It can be hand sown, applied using spreaders, or by broadcasting the seed, all with little trouble. Rye grass grows best the more contact it has with the soil, so for best results prepare ahead a little.

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Ground covering you no longer desire, should be cut closely, destroyed with herbicides or burned. Herbicides (week killers) require careful following of the directions. There will be a waiting period before you can plant after the use of herbicides. There are also plant species that must not be planted after the use of herbicides. When a drought occurs, burning may not be permitted, due to increased fire risks at this time, so you will have to check that 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 is a great plant to use for preventing erosion as it takes hold fast, and the annual version of it will die off for crop time. It is also beneficial in controlling nematode infestation in any crops that are susceptible to it. Also, after it dies, it readily settles into the soil providing nourishment and bringing greater value to the land.

You can plant rye grass to boost the appearance and coverage of other grasses, but in some regions and applications may be used alone. If you are unsure whether an annual species of rye grass or one of the more hardy perennial types is best for your needs, talk with your seed and feed dealer, garden supply store, or contact your county agricultural agent for advice. Many of these will have free online reference guides to grass selection and the actual techniques for planting and care.

Planting rye grass in the fall is a great way to help ensure that you will have a beautiful green lawn in the spring. Growing rye grass is extremely easy, needing little more than contact with the earth and water. For best results, you should spend a little time preparing your current lawn by removing any undesirable areas, testing the soil for the proper pH balance and then adding the proper nutrients accordingly, fertilizing and watering.

Planting Rye Grass For Easy Green Winter Lawns

Grow Calendar 2011