Rye Grass in the Winter

Winter rye grass provides excellent ground cover in cold, dry environments.

Winter rye grass is a useful ground cover and an appropriate choice to help maintain a lawn through a cold, dry winter. The grass grows quickly and is resistant to cold and drought.

Identification

Winter rye grass is one of several annual grasses often used for pasture cover or lawns in regions where winters are cold and dry. A lawn of winter rye grass is hardy and provides good ground cover in even the harshest climates.

Time Frame

Planting winter rye grass in the spring will allow for several cuttings of the grass as a hay or dry material bedding, but planting in the fall is also acceptable. Late fall planting results in quick growth before the first freeze.

Soil Considerations

Winter rye grass prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil. Soils that drain well, such as silty loam or loam make the best growing conditions for winter rye grass.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension: Winter Annuals