From

Location

Message

Date Posted

San Diego

I'm growing winter rye for the first time as my cover crop. I live in san diego, so our winters are very mild, December and january are the coldest, around 32 degrees in the morning, 65 to 70 in the afternoon. The country of big thermometer changes. My rye is 2 weeks old and already 4 to 5 inches high from seeds. Since it will grow all winter, do I need to worry about it getting too tall and having seeds form on the tops of the winter rye? I just want to make sure I can dig it in the soil with no seeds in the spring.At this rate it's going to grow like crazy! any experience will be appreciated. thanks, Jim

11/12/2002 12:25:41 AM

Caceres, Spain

Hi Jim. I live in the middle west of Spain where weather is similar to your's. I agree with your predictions, it will grow too high and old if you want to till it in march. Here we use to mow it even three times and let the cuttings on place. If mowing is not easy for you, you would have to dig it in january probably. I'd rather mow it when 2' high and let it not too low, 1'.
Enjoy your 70 in the afternoons.
Don

11/12/2002 1:31:38 AM

Puyallup, WA

Shazaam! My two week old winter rye has just begun to root!

11/12/2002 2:24:08 AM

Caceres, Spain

Congratulations!

11/12/2002 2:41:51 PM

Ontario

I think that is as tall as I would let it get (4-5 inchs tall) before tilling in.

11/12/2002 7:24:26 PM