Winter rye

Secale cereale

Winter rye is the hardiest green manure, a crop you grow to dig back into the soil. Sown from late summer to autumn, it keeps growing through winter. It holds the soil and smothers weeds. Its thick roots improve the soil too. Dig it in when spring comes.

Looking after it

Water: Rye needs little water and rain is enough. Water only to get the seed going in a dry autumn. Feeding: It needs no feeding. Rye grows even on poor, sandy or acid soil. It also takes up nitrogen that winter rain would otherwise wash away.

Cutting and digging in

In spring, cut it down while it is still short and soft. Chop it, let it wilt and then dig it into the top 25 cm of soil. Older rye is tough and grows back. It holds back the next crop.

What can go wrong

Small seeds won't come up. While rye rots, it stops small seeds such as carrots and onions from coming up. Wait about a month after digging in before you sow. Or put in young plants or large seeds such as beans instead.
Cut too late. Left too long, rye grows tall and tough. It grows back after cutting and can seed itself. Cut it before it reaches about 30 cm.

Growing facts: RHS, UC ANR and seed-company sowing guides. Rye care: RHS and SARE. pH: University of Vermont extension.