In many areas the ending of fall and the beginning of winter is a good time to begin thoughts of planting rye grass. Rye grass comes in annual and perennial types and will give you a wonderful green lawn that will grow fast and will be alive while other grasses are dormant. Rye grass is one of the early grasses in the spring and can also be a temporary ground cover or can be used to supplement other grasses.

Growing rye grass is remarkably easy compared to some fussy grasses. About all rye grass seed needs is contact with the earth and water. It can be hand sown by broadcasting it, or applied using hand spreaders or automated spreaders with little trouble. It will do best the more contact seed has with soil, however, so for optimum results, a little preparation for planting rye grass is needed.

When there is a great deal of ground covering that is not wanted, it should be dealt with by cutting it close, killing with herbicide, or burned off. When using herbicides take special care to follow the directions given about how long you must wait to plant following use, and which plants to avoid. Burning will not be viable in some areas as it is not permitted, or may be restricted do to dry conditions that increase risk of fire. Check it out before you decide to burn.

It is important to do a preliminary soil test to correct the pH and apply the proper nutrients before you sow the seeds. Whether you are planting rye grass or something else, the order should always be the same: sample, fertilize, water, sow. Unless you have the rain on your side, you'll then want to water again. Encourage the seeds to take hold by continued watering, and in no time at all your rye grass will become a lush, bright green carpet.

Planting rye grass is used to prevent erosion with a ground cover that takes hold fast, and if annual, dies off when desired for crops. It has the added bonus of helping to control nematode infestations in crops that are susceptible to this parasite. Rye grass breaks down readily and nourishes the soil after it dies for even more value to the land.

Rye grass can be used in conjunction with other grasses to give a good year round appearance, but it is also a great grass to use independently of other seed. It is a good idea to contact your local agricultural resource, a popular garden store chain, or a seed dealer. They should be able to tell you what is the best fit for your particular situation, either rye grass, which only lasts for one season, or a perennial grass which will return year after year. You may also find information online that can steer you to the best choice, and how to care for it. Rye grass remains a great, easy choice that provides color through the colder months.