Identification

• Winter rye grass is one of several annual grasses often used for pasture cover or lawns in regions where winters are cold and dry. A lawn of winter rye grass is hardy and provides good ground cover in even the harshest climates.
  
  

Time Frame

• Planting winter rye grass in the spring will allow for several cuttings of the grass as a hay or dry material bedding, but planting in the fall is also acceptable. Late fall planting results in quick growth before the first freeze.
  
  

Soil Considerations

• Winter rye grass prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil. Soils that drain well, such as silty loam or loam make the best growing conditions for winter rye grass.