Rye

Growing

Rye is a remarkably hardy cool-season annual that can thrive in harsh environments and poor soils. Because it germinates and grows well in cooler conditions, it is a premier choice for a winter cover crop. When planting in the fall, use it to protect your soil from erosion, build organic matter, and suppress weeds. However, be cautious when planting rye before winter wheat, as any leftover rye can act as a persistent weed in your wheat crop.

While rye is generally more resistant to diseases than other cereals, you should keep a watchful eye out for rusts on the leaves or stems, as well as anthracnose and smut. One critical health concern is the ergot fungus. If you notice ergot, do not feed the grain to humans or animals, as consuming infected grain can lead to serious illness. In the spring, you may also see armyworm moths attracted to the crop.

Beyond grain production, rye serves as an excellent green manure to loosen compacted topsoil and scavenge nitrogen. If you are using it as a cover crop, you can terminate the growth by mowing, plowing, or disking the plants back into the earth. For those harvesting grain, once the crop is ready, store the unwashed seeds in a cool, dark cellar or at room temperature to maintain quality.