Cereal Rye

Cereal Rye is an annual grass used as a cover crop, growing up to 6 ft in maturity. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. This plant is pollinated by wind dispersal, it prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought and strong winds. It thrives on infertile, sub marginal areas and is renowned for its ability to grow on sandy soils. The hardiness zone for this rye is between 3-7. This is a great choice for a winter cover crop, as it will prevent soil erosion and the leaching of nutrients from the soil, it can then be incorporated into the soil in the spring.