How to Plant Winter Rye Grass

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Over-seeding with rye grass keeps the lawn green year-round.

Over-seeding your lawn with rye grass keeps your lawn green year round. Rye grass is a cool season crop and is suitable for winter growing in warmer climates. Keep in mind that mowing, watering and fertilizing must continue throughout the winter and greatly increases the work involved in maintaining the lawn. Also, over-seeded grass can compete with the summer turf in the spring, to the detriment of the lawn. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Rye grass seeds
  • Lawn mower
  • Fertilizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sow winter rye seed in late October through November or after the first frost. Apply approximately 10 lb. of seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

    • 2

      Mow the lawn on the lowest setting after seeding for all existing grasses except St. Augustine. Leave St. Augustine at its recommended height.

    • 3

      Water frequently for several weeks after sowing to ensure germination.

    • 4

      Fertilize every three weeks throughout the winter. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends fertilizing with 5 lb. of 18-6-12 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn when the seed is sown and giving another 2 lb. every three weeks over the course of the winter. Water immediately after fertilizing.

    • 5

      Mow frequently, keeping the grass at approximately 2 to 2 1/2 inches in height.

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References

  • Photo Credit Lawn image by Yuriy Rozanov from Fotolia.com

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