When to Plant and Harvest Winter Rye
Cold-hardy cereal cover crop (cereal rye) that can be sown later than most covers; holds soil through winter
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Best Time and Place to Plant Winter Rye
In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is September 20 to November 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Winter Rye in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Fall only | July 14 to September 8 |
| Zone 2 | Fall only | July 25 to September 19 |
| Zone 3 | Fall only | August 4 to September 29 |
| Zone 4 | Fall only | August 14 to October 9 |
| Zone 5 | Fall only | August 29 to October 24 |
| Zone 6 | Fall only | September 8 to November 3 |
| Zone 7 | Fall only | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 8 | Fall only | October 4 to November 29 |
| Zone 9 | Fall only | October 29 to December 24 |
| Zone 10 | Fall only | November 18 to January 13 |
| Zone 11 | Fall only | November 1 to December 31 |
| Zone 12 | Fall only | November 15 to January 15 |
| Zone 13 | Fall only | December 1 to January 31 |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 2 inches apart, 6 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water to establish; then rely on fall moisture unless the seedbed stays dry
- Days to harvest: 200
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before sowing
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light rate only on very poor soil
Companion Plants
- Hairy Vetch
- Crimson Clover
- Winter Peas
Avoid Planting Near
- Beds you will plant to garlic within two weeks
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Fall growth covers bare soil before freeze-up
- Stand is rooted and tillering before winter in cold zones
- Terminate in spring before it becomes woody and hard to turn under
- Mow or cut when plants are still manageable
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Winter Rye?
Winter Rye planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is September 20 to November 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Winter Rye?
The best time of year to plant Winter Rye is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is September 20 to November 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Winter Rye?
Plant Winter Rye in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Winter Rye?
Plant Winter Rye about 2 inches apart, with rows around 6 inches apart.
What grows well with Winter Rye?
Winter Rye is commonly paired with Hairy Vetch, Crimson Clover, Winter Peas.
How long does Winter Rye take to grow?
Winter Rye is typically ready to harvest in about 200 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Winter Rye?
Harvest Winter Rye when fall growth covers bare soil before freeze-up. Stand is rooted and tillering before winter in cold zones Terminate in spring before it becomes woody and hard to turn under