Planting Ryegrass
It’s about that time of year to start planting Ryegrass. Whether this is your first time planting or you’re a seasoned gardener, check out these steps to assist you in the process. Stop by Mansfield Feed to pick up all the materials you need or ask any questions. Happy planting!
Did you know that Ryegrass stays green all winter? This makes it a favorite for southern gardeners. In addition, you can plant ryegrass in the fall without disturbing your existing lawn. Once warmer weather returns, the rye will die back, allowing the permanent lawn to take over. Also, Ryegrass is also sometimes planted as a cover crop in fall, and tilled under in the spring to add nutrients, to a garden or pasture land.
Follow these six steps and extra tools to achieve the best results:
Step 1:
Cut any existing grass short. Fort Valley State University in Georgia recommends trimming grass to 3/4 to 1 inch tall.
Step 2:
Water the planting area. Wet soil will hold the ryegrass seeds and speed germination.
Step 3:
Fill a mechanical spreader with ryegrass seed. The spreader will allow you to sow the seed evenly.
Step 4:
Broadcast the seed across the lawn with the spreader. Sow in one direction for half the lawn and in the other direction for the other half of the lawn. Fort Valley State University recommends 3 to 5 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn. For larger areas, Oklahoma State University recommends 20 to 25 lbs. of seed per acre.
Step 5:
Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to the lawn after planting the seed. Distribute the fertilizer with the broadcast spreader and water in well.
Step 6:
Fertilize the lawn again two months and four months after planting.
Come into the store today to pick up your seed and fertilizer. We carry American Plant Food fertilizer in 15-5-10, 10-20-10 and 15-15-15 formulas. Let us help you while planting Ryegrass this season!
Things you will Need
- Lawnmower
- Mechanical spreader
- High-nitrogen fertilizer
References: Gardenguides.com
