
Free garden planner — save plants, plan beds, and get sowing reminders for your spot.
Sign up freeSecale cereale L.
Winter rye is an annual grass grown as a cover crop, forage, or grain crop. It is the highest biomass-producing winter cover crop and is excellent at preventing wind erosion and suppressing weeds, partly through the release of allelopathic chemicals. Rye does not fix nitrogen but produces strong root and top growth, making it suitable for vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and permaculture systems.
A fellow Poaceae — similar growing habits to Winter rye
Grow: Full sun
Water: Medium · Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types as long as soil is well-drained. Best results on moderately fertile soils not subject to flooding. Preferred small grain cover crop for sandy, coastal plain soils.
These three thrive alongside Winter rye — and alongside each other.