Ryegrass, Annual (Lolium multiflorum) Cover Crop and Forage Seeds, Organic

Family:  Grass (Poaceae) Zones 6 and warmer, sow in August through early October to create an overwintering cover crop.  Zones 5 and colder, sow in July through September to create an immediate cover that will overwinter if sufficiently well established, or if winterkilled will mulch down and suppress spring weeds.  Some growers plant right into it.  Annual ryegrass can be sown during the growing season in pathways between crops and mowed to keep tidy.  The advantages are:  erosion control, weed suppression, nutrient sequestration, water retention, companion crop, forage, also reduces mud splash.  Ryegrass seed can be broadcast over field residue (such as corn stubble), onto established clover or grasses and will establish without the need of preparing a seedbed.  Germ in 7 to 10 days.  Palatable forage crop suitable for horses, cows and other ruminants.  Fast growth, high sugar content and superior digestibility. A packet contains 500 seeds and covers 15 square feet. 1 lb covers 800 square feet.  Plant 20 lbs per acre. Certified Organically Grown