Winter Rye Cover Crop for the Home Garden

[@sc-dw6gt]

we love rye here at 6000 ft in New Mexico. One key that has been a game-changer for us (no-till raised beds) with rye as well as other cover crops is to PLANT IT IN ROWS on the beds. This way, on a bed that has, say, three (or four) rows of plants/irrigation, we might plant only one (or two) row(s) to cover crop (plus, you can turn off the irrigation to those rows, since scavenged water is often sufficient for covers). Then terminating never causes a planting delay, because a row of cover can be cut to ground level and you can plant in the row right next to it immediately while waiting for the cover to terminate in whatever way you choose (for example, with this method, we can terminate rye---and even sorgum-sudan---using un-fluffed 2"-3"-thick hay flakes; other crops simply winter kill). This flexible method allows us to have 30%-50% of our beds in cover crop at all times, because it's easy to stick in just one row on a bed, plus it saves water and keeps roots in the ground at all times! Like I said, game-changer!

[@charlesthompson8743]

I started using rye last fall, and the improvement in my garden and my yields compared to last summer were miles apart. I've had much bigger yields this year and much healthier plants. I'm definitely keeping a healthy supply of rye on hand. I absolutely love the stuff. I also agree with you on the aesthetic of seeing green in the dreariness of winter.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m so glad to hear you’ve had such a great experience with it!

[@organicgardeningzone6b]

Winter rye with hairy vetch is really cool to grow. We converted our lawn area to a garden area in 2017. After I rototilled it I planted rye and vetch as fall was approaching. It overwintered in the snow and went right back to growing first thing in the spring. I didn't know what I was doing then and I let it grow for a long time. It got to about 5 feet and had gone to seed before a storm came and knocked a lot of it down. At that point I think I used the crimping method by using the board with a rope method or something similar. Each stalk has to be broken for it to die. As she does in this video; and as I recall, weed whacking it works as well.
I would suggest everyone plant some this fall, even just a patch of it a few square feet just to see how it works.
It really makes a huge improvement to the tillage of the soil. It tills the soil by having millions of roots in the ground which remain there after you kill it off. The roots will then somewhat die off and leave millions of passageways for air and water to get deep into the ground.
A tiny amount of hairy vetch is all you need. The vetch climbs the rye.
We do not till at all anymore.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s always great to hear from other folks and might help others who are on the fence about using rye and/or vetch.

[@ronjones1308]

I want to try this in my garden this fall here in Idaho (6a). Do you buy the rye/vetch seed mixed together or do you mix them yourself?

[@organicgardeningzone6b]

@@ronjones1308 My experience has been to buy them separately. One or both of them supposedly needs to be inoculated which is a black powder that you can buy at the same time. Back in 2017 when I did this I bought all three from Johnny's Seeds. The inoculant is just mixed with the seed before spreading. I don't think you can have too much so don't worry about exact amounts.
I made a few short videos showing some of the results. I had forgotten about this channel until I saw this video.
This year I am using a cover crop mix that has about 7 different plant varieties in the bag. I got it from Amazon. Instead of Winter Rye it has Tritacale which is apparently similar to rye but grows slower in the spring. I think the benefit is supposed to be that it doesn't go to seed as soon as winter rye.
Everyone should look into the fact that true soil comes from sand silt and clay. All soil actually began with rock forever ago. You just need to tap into the clay to bring those nutrients to the top where they can be used.
I don't mean to make this seem like an advertisement for my channel. It is not. I don't see myself making professional videos ever as I have so many other things going on already.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@ronjones1308 I mix them myself

[@johnsix1749]

I use a Ryobi 4' hedge trimmer (battery powered) works great for cutting rye at milk stage. Works much better than a string trimmer.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great tip!!

[@redcossack245]

Very comprehensive lesson on this wonderful crop. Thank you Jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonestraloma]

This was a very well done video. Very informative with great cut choices. I’m trying to decide between oat and rye cover crops and this has been the best video I’ve found so far.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rianajansevanrensburg2444]

Thank you for this video. I actually have winter rye seeds and was not sure how to go about it. Your video helped

[@dusk1947]

I love how well informed this video is.
The fact you give primary research-based refences like SARE and specific state extension publications is outstanding.

[@maceain]

excellent post... good data. planting winter rye today and tomorrow in my garden here in north Mississippi.

[@jenparker2220]

Thank you so much for this! I don’t have an in-ground garden; I’ve been growing veggies and fruits in 5 gallon buckets and large grow bags. I also live in the Midwest (5b, so a little further south) and I will eventually build raised gardens, but this is so helpful as I can scale it down for use with containers!!

[@susanlandin6485]

I should have waited, you answered my question. I find your show very informative.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@intentionaltom9447]

Just got my winter rye seed in two days ago and planting today. Great video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it!

[@JBrodo]

I love your videos! My clay soil in zone 9 is improving little by little with your tips!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad!

[@billherrick3569]

excellent

[@doncraig655]

Well done video! I have used winter rye in small gardens and containers. Your presentation covers all the positive aspects and goes into the possible effects of alleopathy. With the videos and well scripted information this would be the first information source I would recommend to anyone interested in cover crops. Again, well done!

[@MyScottyboy1]

Another great vid Jenna. I have just sown a Rye and Phacelia mix on my bare bits (UK)!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've heard good things about Phacelia, but I've yet to try it!

[@williamsherry5009]

Im in Northern ohio thank you so much for this info definitely gonna try cover cropping this fall

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear you’re going to try it!

[@jjc2323]

Thank you for this!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@bdwon]

As soon as you said "allelopathic," I was convinced. Your appropriate use of SARE info, and child labor was also appreciated! Plus, for me in South/Central Texas, rye apparently dies off when it gets too warm-so say the nurserymen. I won't worry about its regrowth. Thank you for such informative and inspiring postings.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you appreciated my use of child labor 🤣

[@BelindaTN]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I am thinking child with dog might speed up the job. LOL Loved the child labor idea.

[@williamaber2791]

Very informative thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sashache9851]

Great video, thanks 🙏

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rebecca-nr3fv]

Hahaha I have a few of those overly energetic small children running around....And with that amount of effectiveness, I gotta try it!!!!!

[@johnsonr9]

From my experience I would say that you covered the topic perfectly! Good content.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@jennygalvin7867]

This was awesome. I just got a bag of winter rye seed. Hoping to improve my clay soil

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I think you’ll be really happy with the results!

[@Wrighmachining]

Thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You’re welcome!

[@robertcotrell9810]

I think I'll have to give some rye a try!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You should!

[@Gkrissy]

This video is right on time Jenna. I was thinking of using rye as a cover crop in a few plant beds. After seeing how great your soil looks afterwards, I will definitely plant it.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh Good! I'm glad to hear it!

[@weightedanchor9000]

New subscriber here. I love the video, I plan on doing a cover crop this fall 2024. Also, I'm from Ohio as well.... East Canton

[@johnjude2685]

Today 9 12 22 your channel mentioned by me as a favorite you tube gardening channel on today's Gardener Scott morning chat and he mentioned you and others on his program to .
Told you that you are my favorite teacher of Gardening
Thanks Jenny as you help so many I'm glad to brag on you as a you tube Teacher
Thanks for helping us

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much, John! I appreciate this more than you know!

[@davidarnold9117]

This channel is awesome

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you, David!

[@BrandonTran]

I’m using rye to improve a hillside that was weeds and thorns. Hoping year 2 has less weeds. Wildly different case but all those benefits you explain still apply. Thanks for expert sharing

[@youtubesucksforforcingthis]

Good timing! I'm trying this with hairy vetch this year for the first time. It looks like here in SE PA we are going to get some warm weather for a little while, so I think I'm going to hold off for another few weeks, for that cooler weather. Thanks for your termination process tips. Good to know that it should be good to do around the same time I plant my corn. I guess with the exception of where I plant my spring crops, which would probably be a few weeks earlier.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I think you'll be really happy with this combo!!

[@dianekerekes6988]

Thank you for the rye information. I’m a novice gardener in zone 7A. I’m VERY interested on how to rotate tomatoes AND how to grow potatoes (I’ve never done potatoes). Thank you for having a UA-cam channel! You are very clear speaking and very easy to understand.

[@markmeyer9571]

Hi Diane, I can certainly help you with potatoes, I’m in West Tennessee zone 7a, clay soil.. (not trying to stick my big nose into the channel’s business…) 🙈😂
Mark, Piney Springs Homestead.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are welcome, Diane! Not sure if any of these videos will help, but I have a whole playlist on potatoes: ua-cam.com/play/PL4zzslvkscX329fRGL-0-4fALiFq087Qn.html

[@sappir26]

I once saw someone growing potatoes and tomatoes in the same bed. Seemed to work great as once they finished harvesting the tomatoes it was time to harvest the potatoes. Never had the opportunity to try it myself yet but anxious in doing it soon.

[@richm5889]

This is very good. I watched a lot of UA-cam videos from various sources and read some scientific pieces about using winter rye in wound up pretty much confused with conflicting information, particular about what it takes to kill the winter rye and about the alelopathic characteristics. You covered all of that and then so much clearer language in better detail than anything I watched or read. Instead of being left with doubts and questions, I'm very clear about it and look forward to using it this year. It does require some special handling and now I know what that is. And it did it in such a pleasant, non-dogmatic, easy style. Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! I'm glad that my video was helpful!

[@se5594]

I searched for a cover crop video and found you. I want to try doing a cover crop this year. My soil is depleted and hopefully this will bring it back❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you do give it a try!

[@donaltland7957]

I just planted winter rye in November of this year. After watching your video I feel that I have more knowledge about when to terminate and plant in that plot.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear!

[@boblanning1732]

Thank you for this fantastic video! I love how you only "till" enough residue to plant the rows of corn instead of tilling it all. I'm a conventional tillage gardener and I'm trying to move away from destroying my soil tilth every year. Thanks so much for this!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are so welcome!

[@jamesguest4873]

Okay you win, gonna get one for myself as an early birthday gift. I keep my scraps right out on the counter and my wife hates it. I will miss the ability to mess with her without effort but this thing looks like magic so I'm sold.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you like it! I still love seeing what I end up with every time I run a cycle.

[@josephbarker91]

I'm working on growing rye to feed my goats.

[@wingrider1004]

I ordered three different cover crops for this year to experiment with. I planted winter rye last year. My yard's main challenge is soil improvement, which is my job, as my wife and daughter do the easy work 😃My yard is not large, and so space is at a premium. Every square inch has to be utilized. I'm also working to expand my non-food plantings to attract beneficial insect life. Appreciate the excellent content, video quality, and video layout. Keep up the good work.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Which cover crops did you order this year? I'm glad to hear you're experimenting with them- this is the best way to find the one(s) best suited to your needs.

[@wingrider1004]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I purchased red clover, cowpeas, and buckwheat / you mentioned these in one of your videos...I am on my second sowing of buckwheat...already chopped one crop down. I am not sure exactly when to plant the others - am researching. And, I also realize that different cover crops address different soil problems, as well. I think I discovered that one of the reasons some of my plants were a little puny this year was because I overused my compost, which I initially thought was a replacement, rather than an amendment, for poor soil...ooops. Still learning :) I'm in Georgia, so my first frost will not occur until late November. Hard to gauge here - some winters are very mild. Thanks again for your excellent videos and instruction. Keep up the good work.

[@timkinrade9533]

This year I'm doing a row of 70/30 winter rye/medium red clover and then on either side, rows of a cool season mix that I hope to winterkill for a cool "mulched rye and clover" vibe. The mix: Austrian field pea, hairy vetch, hard red winter wheat, triticale, alfalfa, trophy rapeseed, crimson clover, yellow mustard, flax, and annual ryegrass. The chaos. The diversity. The learning curve I'm scaling to make ever-increasing diversity manageable

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice! Having a mix of species is really helpful in cover crops!

[@emkn1479]

Lomi is so interesting. Especially because cold composting takes so long. Also I love the classic dark/black and white effect in how you filmed the ad 😆 great job.
Gotta try a cover crop 🤔 and gotta make good use of those overenergetic small children while you’ve got them 😆🙃

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I appreciate that it speeds up my composting process! Almost all of my compost areas are cold composted- and as you said, take SO long to produce finished compost.
And yes- I'm constantly trying to find ways to funnel that energy into something productive!

[@TypingNonsense]

@@GrowfullywithJenna As someone still just starting out trying to grow a garden, especially with clay heavy soil, I'm not sure I completely understand Lomi's processing, uh, process lol, but after spending the entire summer trying to build good compost only for half my compost turning bad if I can speed things up that'd be great. I've loved all your videos explaining the way you do things and why.

[@ronjones1308]

I live in North Central Idaho zone 6a and planted a Rye/hairy vetch mix too late last fall so it didn't get a great start before the freeze. But this spring it took off and was growing well. I wanted to get started planting so I terminated mine with a weed eater and now I am wondering whether to till it in or fork in my rows. I may try both methods and see which one works the best.
I want to thank you for all the information that you share with us. I am 71 and have gardened all my life learning from both of my grandfathers and just last year went to raised beds and mounded beds. I love them and along with trellising and with the use of my home made compost, leaf mold and yes I raise red wigglers for the casting we had the best garden we have ever had. Thanks so much for all your help and I watch all your videos and most of them I use as reference and go back over and over again.
Hope you have a great gardening year!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

In my experience, if I terminate it before anthesis, I almost have to till or fork it in to the soil or it won't die. Either that, or I'm out there pulling up the survivors all season 😆.
I hope you have a fantastic gardening season this year!

[@doyourbest.9554]

71st 👍 ...i just planted cover crop and greens. Garden looking real good.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!!

[@janebo1068]

I just throw it on my big beds and water just a little,,,,,thats it,,100% growth every year... You dont have to work that hard on the rye... And it is so easy to pull up if any comes up..... thanks for the video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good to know!

[@barco581]

Here in Boston Winter Rye is our go-to cover crop. We plant around Halloween. By the middle of April it is about eight to ten inches tall. Cut it short a few times with a push mower and then late April/early May we till it in. We get a little bit of regrowth but pretty quick and easy to just pull that out.
Great tip about waiting a good two weeks before planting. Some other new gardeners make a similar mistake if they add too much organic matter around planting time and nitrogen gets tied up in the decomposition process. Better to pour on the organic matter in the fall, soil test in the spring, and go from there.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing, Michael! Love the idea of just mowing it a couple times!

[@missleahstaffier3337]

Hi Micael,
I manage some elementary school garden beds in Wellesley, MA. Last fall, we planted winter rye in our beds for a winter crop. It grew well, dense, but not too tall. When do you think we should chop it down? We were hoping to do some work in the garden this Friday 3/31. I'm also confused about whether to pull it all out or leave it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. --Leah, science teacher at Tenacre

[@barco581]

@@missleahstaffier3337 hi, what is your goal with the school gardens? If you leave the winter rye it will continue to grow throughout the year and become very dense and tall if not cut. If you plan to plant other things in that garden bed the winter rye will need to be uprooted.
If you are going to plant other crops, I would cut it short in the next few weeks and leave the clippings in there. You can till it out, or turn it over by hand. If you are not using a power tiller, the sooner you do this the easier as it really takes off in early to mid April. The longer you let it go the more work it will be. Keep the rye and roots in the garden-when it decomposes it acts like green manure. Wait at least two weeks after tilling/turning over the winter rye before planting other crops.

[@robertadcox8419]

I have been using rye for years as a cover crop. You are right about how durable it is. I have planted it as late as early December because I am always behind on everything I do. I did not think it would germinate but it did. It looked pretty thin because it barely grew during the end of December and January, but when the end of February came and the daily temperatures began to rise into the mid sixties, it took off and by the middle of March I had a nice stand of rye. I do agree that mid fall (mid October to mid November) for me is the best time to plant it to have that nice growth before you go into the winter months. I don't won't to sound redundant because I have said it before but I live in eastern NC. BTW another great video. You are a really good speaker.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience with rye, Robert! And I'm sure knowing that you had sucess sowing that late will help other folks as well!

[@danielmansour7230]

I have rye as part of a cover crop mix. I was thinking of releasing the chickens to help terminate and surface till a bit. This is my first year cover cropping.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's a great idea!

[@h.s.6269]

The chickens will absolutely love trying to destroy the area I'm sure! It would be a great source of stimulation and entertainment for them as well.

[@cheesekake1841]

I would love to see a video of that! 😁

[@user-ep4qt4gm9x]

We use eelgrass from Long Island Sound as a mulch. Works great. If we planted cover crops around our tomatoes, peppers, cukes, butternut, we could not use mulch.
This winter we will have oilseed radish in most areas. We still have many of our crops producing. It is getting late to plant cover crops in CT. I am a bit confused with the conflict between having mulch and concurrent cover crops.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good afternoon Jenna. Excellent video. That's one beautiful garden., so lovely and peaceful. My favorite method of maintaining a sustainable pantry and stockpiling items long term for the whole family is what I consider to be the most practical, utilizing every type of food storage methods and technology available, both old and new. . Except for the fruits and vegetables that get canned, I keep perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products in the refrigerator on a short term basis until I'm ready to use them for a big family meal - and for even longer term sustainable storage, a large separate freezer, which can store a half side of beef with plenty of room left over for homemade ice cream etc. . I'm considering upgrading to a walk-in freezer at some point.in the near future, if my plans to open a bed and breakfast come to fruition. Sometimes, however a nice round of cheese can do well for quite awhile on a pantry shelf at room temperature - and doesn't mind even if it has to stand there alone. Store bought canned goods get shelves.in the large pantry closet - several for canned meat like corned beef hash, spam and sandwich spread and another for canned vegetables Bread, rolls, grains, homemade pasta, cereals and the like are stored in special humidity controlled bins I order from Amazon Prime - which usually get delivered to my doorstep about an hour after I order them. . Stuff from the family garden and orchard, like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkins, carrots, corn celery,, potatoes and yams, cherries, blueberries and strawberries get canned in Mason Jars and stored in the cool, root cellar of this wonderful rambling former farmhouse (circa 1867) I share with my extended blended family and several rambunctious dogs raised on table scraps from the some of the finest food from a plethora of sources both commercial and home based. . There's even a special separate "summer kitchen" which I converted to store butter and ice cream churns, pots, pans, utensils, extra storage containers, foil, bags, cutlery, and other meal related accoutrement. Out back in the woods, just beyond the big pile of wood I maintain all year, (for use in an antique woodstove I keep on hand, in case the power goes out) there's even an old rusting vintage still where my great grandfather made some of the finest corn whiskey for miles. Next to it is the rusting hulk of the Ford Model A he used to transport that powerful hootch by the light of the moon on soft summer nights to his eager customers in a tri-county area. Further into this verdant forest of mostly sycamore, oak, pine and scrub, runs a cool stream into which I occasionally cast a rod or net to catch some Brook Trout, Bluntnose Shiners, or whatever takes the bait (just earthworms for the most part). And yes, hunting season means wild turkey, deer, and even an occasional wild boar. Next week, I'm planning on filing for a permit to 3-D print a smokehouse in order to be able to create gourmet artisan handcrafted, beef, bacon, turkey, and beef stick jerky, which interested local merchants can private label for other people to share with their families and their family dogs. Unfortunately, I had to break the bad news to my free range hens today that due to expected egg shortages regretfully numbered are their days of laying a couple of eggs and then basically taking the rest of the day off with ranging privileges' within the parameters of a few very nice rural acres - parts of which are rich with fat grubworms. There's even a short dirt road between the main barn and the farmhouse which they're free to cross to get to the other side as often as they'd like. My rooster Ben overheard me and he ain't too happy either, knowing full well that due to oncoming egg shortages, he'll be "workin' overtime to make sure there's plenty of eggs for the family and I.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you- always great to hear what others are doing to achieve self-sufficiency!

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Jenna - You're quite welcome. Stay in touch.

[@ale347baker]

Which bins have humidity control? At the moment I store the pastas as they are, on a shelf.

[@regatta2k]

You Da “man”

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄

[@karma8001]

Winter rye grain is great for us that plant wildlife food plots we've been using it for years. Lasts the winters and first thing that greens up. We put down 150-200 lbs per acre layering it so we get about 3 different growths going on. The board works but with 12+ acres we either use a crimper or lawn roller. If you till u need to terminate early I have a friend that burnt up u commercial tiller on the back of his tractor. I no till so I seed buckwheat into my standing rye and crimp it. On the farmer side we use rye and no till planter and plant and terminate the same time with beans and corn. U want to build good soil Inter seed buckwheat into it but make sure it's after the last frost. Just 1 year u won't believe the soil. Don't let either one go to seed. Then middle of August get some tillage radish and other brassicas in the buckwheat and roll that let the brassicas rot then you will have a amazing garden the following year. Trust me I didn't waist a year u will gain many and u will c when you get a soil test. Another great video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great info, Rick- thank you!

[@craigdreisbach5956]

Wonderful video, as always. I'm going to try winter rye this fall. I have developed over the past 2 years a horrible weed called "shaggy soldier" (Galinsoga). Apparently started in Mexico and has worked its way worldwide, including here in Vermont. Unlike any other difficult weed I've experienced. Does not spread by rhizones, but apparently from "sticky" seeds. I hope you never get it. May be a traveler on the backs of seed potatoes. Kind Regards. Craig

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ugh... I do NOT need one more difficult weed here. Sorry to hear you're dealing with it!

[@peterwong1231]

Again GREAT content! Loved your explanation on terminating rye. I will be applying rye to my clay soil. Question: after cutting down the rye, how long do you wait to turn the soil with a fork?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you, Peter! You could, in theory, turn the rye in right away. I usually wait a minimum of 3-4 days, just to let it dry down a bit... but that's totally personal preference!

[@doyourbest.9554]

I just bought 10 lbs off Amazon. I'm starting to warm up to cold covers!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Woohoo!! Glad to hear it!

[@jennifermiller-berkshire3047]

I am in Ohio. This is my first year planting winter rye. I found this on the internet, "Timing of planting-Ideally, plant cereal rye as soon after harvest as possible. In northern Ohio, this would be before November 1; in southern Ohio, before November 15."

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That sounds fairly close to the recommendation given by The Midwest Cover Crop Council. They recommend sowing winter rye in my area (midwest Ohio) between July 1 (though I never plant that early) and October 28th, and list sowing Oct 29- Nov 12th as possible, but with some freeze/moisture risk to planting establishment.

[@mayhmmaydn]

Ty ty ty ive bought so much. Cover crop seeds...i dont know what to use

[@cheesekake1841]

Haha... just broadcast them around your yard.. lol.. I bought a big bag of mixed cover crop last year and forgot about it, I just opened it yesterday and spread some seeds on a raised bed that seems to need a makeover, we'll see how that works out! 😁

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Just start with planting out small plots and see what works best for you!

[@johnsix1749]

I have a 30x16 plot I want to plant fruit trees in. Normally one can not dig in my clay. So last fall I planted winter rye. I mowed it right at the milk stage and waited 30 days.
then I tilled it, wow, the tiller went all the way down. The rye roots really softened the soil. I then planted buckwheat and let it grow all summer. This fall I planted rye and peas.
Hopefully I will get a good crop even though I just planted 2 weeks ago due to lack of rain. Just had our first freeze. Oct 31 2023
Love your channel.

[@jeffmeyers3837]

@johnsix1749 How did your cover crop in the clay soil work out? Did you get your fruit trees planted?

[@johnsix1749]

@@jeffmeyers3837 I decided to plant cereal rye again, Just cut it down last week.
In 2 weeks I'll plant buckwheat there then at the middle of August I'll plant some oats and peas along with white clover and plant the plum trees this winter.
So many plans, so little time hahaha\

[@michaelmarchione3408]

This is the most thorough info on Winter Rye I have heard yet. So, if I was to plant it in our raised beds, do I grow and cut it back the same way? I would assume it would work the same? We don't plant until Memorial Weekend. So we could actually cut it back 2 weeks before. If that is what I need to do. Enjoyed, take care!

[@garys1360]

on yt channel I AM ORGANIC GARDENING he uses rye in raised beds, very good info

[@michaelmarchione3408]

@@garys1360 Thank you sir!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, it could be used in raised beds the same way!

[@woutmoerman711]

I haven't ordered rye this year but will do next year! What a great idea to let your(?) child play on top of the rye to kill it, fabulous!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it! And yep- that's my child 😆

[@woutmoerman711]

@@GrowfullywithJenna he looks well propagated and not over fertilised. Well done!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@woutmoerman711 Haha- thanks!

[@wilhelmscream6834]

First time planting it. Bought a pound of seed from a farmer this summer and planted it all in my garden the last week of September in zone 6a. It seems to be doing well. I would like to harvest the seeds from them though, so I don't have to keep buying it. I'm hoping I have enough time to harvest them, then cut the rest down and till it into the dirt before filling the garden with vegetables next summer.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to hear how this works out for you, as far as timing!

[@wilhelmscream6834]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I'll keep you posted and update in the spring. There's a proper window there. I water it if there isn't rain for a few days. I think this can be a cyclic, self-sustaining crop. Just have to be on the ball in terms of snipping the seed heads off and turning into fertilizer.

[@donpadawan]

I was scared to terminate rye so I’ve decided on Crimson Clover and Oats in my zone 6b raised beds. Awesome video, I may try rye next year. 🌱

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Clover & oats is a great mix too!

[@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass]

If you can get just a handful of rye seed you could put it in one place to see how it reacts. It doesn't spread.

[@donpadawan]

@@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass that’s a good idea, thank you!

[@donpadawan]

@@GrowfullywithJenna ooh thanks! I will give it a shot !

[@janicealderson4329]

I have a bed of rye overwintered and it is now late March - the rye is still growing! I would like to use the bed by May (ish), should i let it go to seed - as i have onions in it; then plant corn in there? Your place looks great, have you ever had ants in the corn? The ants ate my corn last year and that was the first year i grew it. Thanks Jenna that was great. We are in France the guy down the road said green manures should not be allowed to seed - but I have heard pants won't release certain nutrients unless they are allowed to seed!

[@debluiz215]

I live in the northern part of SW ohio and, of course, also have heavy clay soils. I really enjoy your videos. I wanted to know where you buy tiller radish seed? Johnny’s Seeds doesn’t seem to carry it.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've been getting my tiller radish from Hancock Seed: hancockseed.com/products/daikon-radish-seed

[@sandram5664]

Thanks Jenna, this video came at the perfect time! I just received an order of winter rye from Johnnys. I’ve never used it before but, because I use all of my garden beds until late in the season, I needed a cover crop that would grow in colder weather. I was wondering a bit about terminating it. I use no-dig; do you think cutting it and then covering with plastic for a few weeks would work?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You’re welcome! And yes- covering in a no-till system would work.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I've done rye for 4 years and a plank isn't practical. A pallet is much better. It's bigger, with more weight to it, you barely need to step on it. Also, I never use it alone, I mix it with phacelia, winter pea, and this year I'll try to add chicory. Cover crops generate more biomass when there's more plant families in it (families, not just species) because they exchange nutrients through mycorrhizae, and plant families are good at specific nutrients, and they share the excess. To break down clay, you can add daikon radish. The difficulty is not to oversow in a mix, coz it'll take over the rest. I never kill rye before it flowers because I consider it a waste. Most of the biomass it produces is in April/May. So that'd be a waste to kill it before. For the nitrogen, when I kill a cover crops, I add spent barley from a local brewery, and complete with wood chips. That way I never have to till the garden. The drawback is that we're have drier and drier late Springs... And a cover crop is really good at draining winter rain. So if you have Spring drought, your soil will be super dry when you kill the cover. I had to dig my soil with a pick axe to plant my tomatoes and other summer veggies, and use copious amounts of water in the planting hole so they would take roots... But in 2021 which was rainy, it was heaven. Huge squashes, a bounty of aubergines and peppers. This year is dry, so it's tomatoes, and the rest is taking a serious hit.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's helpful- thank you for the tip!
I agree- I like my cover crop mixes too!

[@tomfisher3117]

Hi Jenna, thanks for another great video. I'm faced with a bit of a dilemma. I planted a winter rye cover crop in my garden beds. Right now they are about 10" tall. After planting and germination, I found a source for leaves so I ordered 18 cubic feet of leaves for my 1100 sq. ft. garden. I have pretty good soil, originally hard clay, as I have taken care of it for years. So, here's my dilemma: Although I am composting a good portion of the leaves, I still have probably 12-15 cubic yards of shredded (once) leaves to deal with. I was thinking about putting the rest of my shredded leaves on my garden walks, letting the cover crop grow in my beds until, terminating it in the spring. Then I could rake shredded leaves onto my beds after I plant. My second option would be to terminate my cover crop right now and cover the beds with shredded leaves. Which option would you choose?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Tom- I would put the leaves on the walks and let the cover crop grow!

[@tomfisher3117]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thanks for taking the time to reply Jenna. I value your opinion.

[@chrishuber2768]

I was already planning on planting rye this Fall, but this gives me more confidence going in. Do you have mulched rows in your garden that you cleared out before planting rye, or was the bed you were showing here just a whole bunch of corn?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear it! The big bed I talk about in detail at about 12:55 was for corn. But I also do individual rows in the garden in rye.

[@A.E.Lanman777]

Dandelion, and lambs quarter, are some of the most healthful plants out their.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

As are purslane, chickweed and many other 'weeds'. The trouble is that they do compete (and typically out-compete) our garden crops when they are growing where they aren't wanted.

[@cattailsforlunch]

Just found your channel. Great information. I called my extension office last week and they weren’t really sure how to help me with this topic as a home gardener. I’m in Pittsburgh PA. Are there any grains used as cover crops that you can actually harvest and use to mill flour before the full spring planting, like Memorial Day-ish?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sorry to hear that your extension office couldn't help! But- rye and oats both could be harvested for grain in early summer (harvest would depend a bit on individual planting date, of course). It's a pseudo-grain, but buckwheat can also be harvested very quickly- sometimes within 30 days.

[@KerriEverlasting]

I'm still too scared! Brave lady! 😱🥰

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh no! No reason to be scared!

[@KerriEverlasting]

@@GrowfullywithJenna just dropping by to tell you I dug up my hugelkulture bed because it had 2 giant rats living in it. I can't bring myself to kill them... but I also couldn't stop my dog from killing them so well. Nature.
My garden looks like Hiroshima, but I can now look forward to actually getting some vegetables.
Just wanted to let you know your pitchfork video kinda gave me permission, it really helped. I knew they were in there but couldn't quite figure out the moral quandary. So I dug up the bed and let nature do the rest. So thank you.
More than you know. 💖

[@brendalucas15]

Hey Kerri: I empathize with you. But the worst case scenario is that you cut down the rye and it starts regrowing. So...cut again and cover with a tarp, it will die off. OR till it under if you want. Nothing to fear, but I know I felt that way as I broadcast the rye seeds in the fall! In spring 2022, I cut the rye with the weed eater. It grew back twice. Since I was running out of time before planting veggies, I had it tilled under. Spring 2023, I will cut back and cover the rye. It is well worth the time and effort as my veggies were awesome this year. Soil was wonderful. This fall, 2022, I sowed the rye seeds and when they were about 2" tall, I covered my garden in fall leaves. The rye grew right up through the leaves. I am hoping for an even better soil fertility in the spring.

[@mayhmmaydn]

Can i grow this purely to use to make compost? Mow.. Collect ad browns to it then cover with a tarp for say 6 months?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes you can.

[@jeffbergeron3288]

I am in Ct zone 6 and unfortunately will need to use my rye covered areas of the garden sooner than expected. It is only a few inches high right now . Can I terminate (till under) now, wait 2 weeks then plant some cold weather crops soon? Will I have to worry about grow back of the rye? Thanks, I love the channel

[@dennisclayton8442]

Jenna, great information as always and your zinnias are “popping”! Do you sow Elbon rye for your cover? I used to dairy and we grew many of the grazing varieties of ryegrass: Gulf, Marshall and a couple of the tetraploids which our Jersey cows loved! Here is Mississippi zone 7b, the ryegrass would play out around mid-May and we would follow that with Sudan grass. We kept a succession sowing of temporary grazing of the two grasses for cool and warm seasonal grazing. Both are tremendous grasses and we got great results on coverage. Also, what zinnias do you have there on the right? Love the color. Keep up the great work!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

How funny you should ask- I just looked at some Elbon rye for this fall, was going to buy it, but my source was sold out... so I went with Wren Abruzzi instead. Glad to hear planting timing from someone further South- this will be helpful for others! The zinnias are 'Uproar Rose'. I've been growing them for several years and they are stunners!

[@dennisclayton8442]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I grew some Uproar Rose last year in an old metal water trough and they did great! I may have to give them a go again next year after seeing yours.

[@shamshersinghfarmernews884]

💚

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@FirstClassPirate]

This was great advice. What kind of cover crop would you recommend for May? I'm in zone 9a.

[@jeffmeyers3837]

Buckwheat, 100%. She has a good video on it. Should be warm enough where you are to do it now.

[@oldporkchops]

Hi Jenna, Thanks for this very informative video. The part about natural weed suppression sold me. So to sum up, the best stage for termination is when it is about 18 inches tall. Let it get to seed and home gardeners will have difficulties terminating - both in terms of regrowth and in terms of having available tools. Is this summary correct?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The very best time to terminate is when the plants are at pollen shed stage, before seed matures (shown at 10:40). If you have to mow down earlier, plants can be cut at 12-18" tall, but often this requires tilling the plants under to effectively terminate. You can also solarize, but it takes quite a while to fully kill off the plants.

[@oldporkchops]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Got it. Thanks for taking time to clarify. According to my extension service, the best time to plant is early September and mid- to late October. If I'd like my tomatoes to be in the ground by mid to late April, I was wondering if that is sufficient time for rye to reach the pollen shed stage, before seed matures? I'm in NE Atlanta, zone 7B.

[@charleschazz9270]

Hi love your channel and all the information. Never tried a cover crop but i want to. Our garden is about 30x35. I have been wintering our 6 chickens in our garden and throwing all our leaves from around the house in our garden then tilling them under in the spring. Would you plant the rye in sept then throw in chickens sometime after its established before snow? Keep the chickens out of the garden completely or continue with my current process? or recommend a different crop with what i currently do? Up for suggestions. Western central pa. Just north of pittsburgh. Thanks!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This is a great question. Personally, I would avoid putting my chickens into the rye patch in the fall/winter. Mine would tear up everything beyond recognition- and I don't think the rye would sufficiently recover and grow well the next spring. However, it might work well to put the chickens into the rye patch in the spring when the rye is off and growing well.

[@ionianatlas7037]

Jenna, have you ever planted onion sets in the fall to overwinter and get an earlier summer harvest ?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Not sets, but I have done plants this way ua-cam.com/video/L6e3HL0XHLo/v-deo.html

[@jarrodlambert3914]

Great video when u weedeat the rye that kills it? Or does it start growing tall again?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

If you wait till it's at anthesis, weed whacking pretty much kills it off. You many have a few random plants sprout back up, but not many.

[@litag6143]

I bought some winter rye seeds this year. I haven't really gotten a good garden patch in the ground going. I did a lot of containers with some success this year, & have covered a space in my yard with cardboard & old pond liner because the weeds are terrible this year. When I get most of the weeds killed out I will plant rye there. I hadn't gardened in 10 years because I had melanoma & I need a knee replacement, but I just decided this year that I have to get back into it no matter what. But I have one question--can I harvest some of it for my chickens & rabbits during the winter? I will grow some in buckets for them if that works! Thanks for a great video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you're back into gardening, Lita! You can indeed feed some to your chickens & rabbits!

[@sc-dw6gt]

PS to the comment below, we terminate with a Ryobi cordless hedge trimmer

[@titunick418]

Hi Jenna,
Am I able to terminate early spring and leave the remains for mulch? Your video only showed you using it for mulch in the later stage.
Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You absolutely can-- you just won't have as much top growth, so not as much to mulch with.

[@cheesekake1841]

Excellent video, thank you!. I just put some of the mixed cover crop I bought from True Leaf Market in a bed. Do you think winter rye can get rid of bad bugs in the soil?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome! Which type of bad bugs are you dealing with?

[@cheesekake1841]

@@GrowfullywithJenna We grew summer squash/zucchini in a few beds and they all got squash vine borers and pickleworms. I read that the bugs might be hiding in the soil and the suggestion is to till the soil, expose the bugs for birds to eat.. So we've done that but I'm still wondering if we need to do a cover crop on those beds, hence, my question. Maybe Mighty Mustard would do a better job to clean out the beds and the yard? Sorry for so many questions... 😁 I love your videos, they're so helpful! Thank you again.

[@JenHowkAK]

This is fantastic, thank you! I am leaning toward winter rye for building the soil up in my food forest area, but I know winter rye is very loved by deer. I don't mind feeding the deer at all, particularly if it helps keep them out of the fruit trees. (Not sure if that logic works or if I'm just luring more to the area.) I am very happy to have them stomping all over and working in their poo. All good, especially because I don't have chickens yet. But is it resilient enough and will it regenerate enough to still provide enough green goodness to work in in the spring even if they munch on it all winter?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!
As far as the rye surviving- It really depends how much grazing they do. If they repeatedly eat off all new growth, the rye won't make it through the entire winter.

[@JenHowkAK]

I would imagine some pretty heavy grazing from these guys...they are voracious! I'll plant a ton and hope for the best :) @@GrowfullywithJenna

[@patrickguyot1290]

Would rye help with an invasion of mint?

[@wildirishpirate]

I'm here in NW Ohio and have a section of lawn I want to start gardening in, what are your thoughts on just broadcasting rye seeds into the lawn, would it grow? I don't necessarily want to till up the lawn as I don't have a tiller. Nice having someone in the same zone 6 to learn from. Thanks for the videos.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That is a great question, Joe, but I unfortunately don't know the answer. I know it can be interseeded with other vegetable crops, but I don't know if it will 'take' in a lawn full of established grass. I think in my lawn it might work- but we have many bare patches!

[@wildirishpirate]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I may give it a go. Thanks.

[@nataliemills6644]

I have heard several resources saying that if you terminate Rye prior to the dough stage of seed production, it won’t die it will just grow back from the roots. Can you comment on that?

[@johnjude2685]

Question? I mess up? I got winter" wheat " planning tomatoes to replace it.
Do I kill it the same method as killing winter, whey ?

[@susanlandin6485]

I am new to this so in the spring do you till the rye under or pull up the roots? Sorry for my ignorance here but I want to learn about cover crops.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Susan- I saw from your second comment that I answered your question, but keeping those roots in the soil will help a lot with breaking up heavy dense soil.

[@sammyboyde6489]

I was thinking about planting it along strawberry rows and cutting it down before the real cold gets here to mulch the berry plants. Think there is enough growing time before the cold in Md. to get decent biomass for mulching/covering? Interesting...

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

How much time do you have left before the real cold sets in? Here in Ohio, the rye will put on some growth till about the end of Nov. In a typically year I've got anywhere from 4-8" of green growth before the plants stop for the winter.

[@sammyboyde6489]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Ha! The 64 thousand dollar question! With screwy Maryland weather, it could be the first of Nov, or the last of Dec. I am about the same zone as southernmost Ohio, zone 7 here, a bit south of southern Ohio's zone 6.
Pretty sure time will be short before the cold and decreasing daylight at this point but I will make a run at it. I was also thinking plant now and cut it down when it heads out for next fall/winter cover but it would probably decompose over the summer unless stored away.
I am also thinking of planting some fields for cutting, raking and composting for green and brown fuel, need to make compost on a greater scale than what I am doing at present but I suspect spring or winter wheat would be better for that.
Just another experiment.
Thanks Jenna!

[@h.s.6269]

Would you recommend doing this to just lawns as well? My backyard has horrible clay and drainage problems and we get a miniature lake everytime it rains. So I was wondering if doing rye for a year or two would correct the clay and compaction then try and get back to grass. Do you think getting grass to grow after would be a big struggle?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, I think this would help, and you should have no trouble getting grass to grow after.

[@viakeller8707]

hey, Ohio gardener here too! i’m curious if birds are ever a problem going after the seed when first planted. I’d read that a light layer of straw might help. Your thoughts?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Suprisingly, I've not had issue with the birds stealing seeds (I think they've plenty of other food sources here). But it does make sense that a light layer of straw might help.

[@claudiarivas1050]

Hi Jenna. How deep do you plant rye cover crop seeds? Is it ok to lay straw over after planting seeds or should I wait until rye has emerged? Thank you

[@jeffmeyers3837]

@claudiarivas1050 I was wondering the same thing, whether I can broadcast seed over an existing straw/hay mulch and water it in, whether that will germinate adequately.

[@dagorithe]

I am also in [the geographic center of] Ohio. I am trying winter rye for the first time. I just rototilled the corn patch; I’ll plant the rye tonight. When you take down the rye in early spring, do you rototill prior to planting the corn?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I didn't find that I needed to rototill prior to planting my corn- but I did lightly hoe a planting row. If I had a huge corn plot to plant, I might be tempted to run a tiller just down each planting row.

[@JeremiahCommons]

I am wanting to consider this but it is already December. That and I am wanting to clear the sod from my backyard and start a full back yard garden. Currently looking at using some black tarps to just kill it with no-till and no chemicals. So maybe next year I'll consider doing this but worried about the termination portion. I am in zone 9a. Any tips from any other commenters?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hoping some Southerners see this and can advise. I believe the management of rye is a little different in warm climates, but am not sure of the exact protocol.

[@elliottpeabody1287]

Hi Jenna.
I'm fairly new gardening and this is my first year with planting a cover crop. I live in Zone 7a and planted winter rye at the end of September. I've trimmed it three times in September and October.
In March, I plan to cut it down to about 6 inches then cover it with cardboard and a tarp for about 2 weeks. Then I plan to use an electric garden cultivator to lightly till it in prior to planting my garden vegetables.
Do you see any issues with my plan?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I think that sounds like a great plan!

[@selfcarewithashley6801]

I'm curious if those chemical compounds help with creeping bell flower. It's a major problem here in Calgary.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m not sure- but it’s probably worth a try!

[@lethal2453]

If you have the luxury, run a mobile chicken tractor across the rye for the first 60 days. Adds nitrogen to the soil via poop. It is a good idea to just mow the rye, 60 to 90 days before a planned crop, get some re growth and then terminate by "Crimping" 30 days out from a crop and covering with a tarp, as to germinate any left over weed or seed, that dies off under the tarp. I dont recomend tilling, and just build the soil over 5 or so years. I have done rye for the winter, followed up with sudangrass in the summer, with another round of rye a d a cool climate vetch, before laying a planned crop, over 2 years to build that soil right up.

[@lethal2453]

The worms will sort the rest out, I add worm eggs. They break down the chicken poop, giving the rye access to that nitrogen, if you add legumes to the over crop, it will suck up the N, and hold it in the soil.
Crimping and tarping, instead of Tilling at termination, doesn't release extra N to the atmosphere, when you till, you release N, Tarping improves the probability of the N and C staying in the soil where you need it.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for the suggestions & info!

[@davidbass7593]

I always plant rye in the fall excellent and hardy cover crop for the garden it dies and leaves a nice root ball in the ground for organic matter after it rots

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear from a fellow fan of rye!