Rye, Winter (Secale cereal) Seeds, Organic
$3.95 – $9.00
Family: Grass (Poaceae)
Hardy to Zone 5, otherwise grown as a summer annual
Rye is the oldest domesticated crop, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Paleolithic. It was probably first used for making beer, then for making bread. Ideally, the soil should be tilled or turned and the seed scattered over the surface, raked in, tamped, and kept moist until germination. One or two fall rains will suffice in getting the stand started. Unlike most politicians, rye does well in any soil, rich or poor. It even does well on clay, and improves the soil by means of added biomass (like growing compost in-situ). Provides excellent winter forage for chickens and ruminants. Will keep the garden covered and protected through the winter. In the spring, mow down the grass, then turn the soil or till again, thereby incorporating the carbon. This is the stuff good gardens are made of.
A packet contains 500 seeds and covers 10 square feet.
Certified Organically Grown
Question
Sarah (verified owner) –
Suggestions for a cover crop under a tall canopy tree in 5b?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Sarah,
There really are a lot of options open to you. One of the best is crimson clover. Red clover is more permanent and makes a very cushy lawn. You could put in Bugle (Ajuga reptans) for a permanent spreading groundcover with bright flowers in season and a good medicinal plant. Here’s a link to our blog on the subject https://blog.strictlymedicinalseeds.com/covercropplantingguide/
Richo
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Richo Cech –
winter rye is widely used as a covercrop. the allelopathic activity not only deters weeds during the growth cycle but also as the residue breaks down. it is used that way for weed suppression. i’ve never seen it be a problem with intentional crops, which are planted after the biomass degrades
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Question
Tim –
What fall planted cover crop would you recommend for weed elimination or reduction?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Red Clover is always best for forcing out weeds if you live in a zone where its warm enough to get it going in the fall. Otherwise Crimson Clover is good for forcing out weeds and grows very quickly. r
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