Cereal Rye

Cereal Rye

Secale cereale

Cover crops are used in farms and gardens as a part of crop rotation.

They increase soil organic matter, cycle nutrients, suppress weeds, create mulch, alleviate compaction, and protect and feed the vital soil ecosystem.

Cover crops are a key tool in a soil health system:

  • Minimize disturbance
  • Maximize soil cover
  • Maximize biodiversity
  • Maximize continuous living roots

Planting Instructions

  1. Plant cereal rye after vegetable harvest before mid-November for adequate growth.
  2. Ensure planting area is weed-free before planting.
  3. Spread seeds by hand as evenly as possible.
  4. Rake or lightly cultivate seeds 3/4” to 1 1/2” deep for good seed-to-soil contact.
  5. Keep ground moist until germination.
  6. Cereal rye will survive into spring. Crimp or cut the cover crop at flowering stage and tarp to ensure termination. Leave to decompose in the garden as a natural mulch. Transplant late summer vegetables into leftover plant material.

Seeding Information

Northern IN Planting Dates August 1 – November 15

Southern IN Planting Dates August 15 – November 15

Seeding Rate 4 oz / 100 square feet

Seeding Depth 3/4″ – 1 1/2″

Growth Height 3′ – 6′