where do one purchase perennial ryegrass. Is it a seed in a bag?
We do not recommend places to purchase. We only offer information on gardening.
I would check places like Amazon, Etsy, or Ebay, or even your local places that sell lawn equipment and seed. Yes, this will usually come in a large bag.
Recently had work done on my property in late fall. I planter winter rye to help prevent erosion and just to have something green instead of mud. I want to plant regular grass seed in the spring. Should I till in the winter rye first or simply mow it down? What kind of seed would be best for part sun, part shade lawn?
Thank you for sending us your gardening question about replacing your winter rye crop. Our experts suggest to cut it back when it's 6-12 inches tall, and till it in.
Here's the article that mentions this: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/grains/cover-crops/winter-rye-grass-growing.htm
It looks like Lancaster County is zoned 6B and 7, so it's not clear what grass might be best for your particular location. Here's an article about grasses that do
well in Zone 6:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-grass-seed.htm
You may want to check with your local extension service to learn which type will grow best on your property.
Once saw a program where they used "rye grass" planted in their raised garden for overwintering. Said it was to help soil and would add nutrient to soil when tilled in come spring. What say you?
Sure! This is a very common thing to do. Here are some articles that will offer some more information on the subject: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/grains/cover-crops/planting-annual-ryegrass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/grains/cover-crops/winter-rye-grass-growing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/grains/cover-crops
I am considering using green manure crops for the first time and winter rye is one that is recommended. However, we are a gluten free (celiac) family. Would the use of the rye cause problems with vegetables grown in the garden afterwards, or is the composting process efficient in eliminating any issue?
According to my research, annual ryegrass is different from the grain, rye, also called cereal rye. It's the grain that should be avoided. So make sure you get the right seed.
But your doctor might have more insight on this.
https://forages.oregonstate.edu/fi/topics/cover-crops/species-grasses
My dog eats grass sometimes as it helps her digestion. I know Foxtail Barley is REALLY bad for dogs. I was wondering if it was the same deal for Winter Rye.
Rye is, generally, regarded as non-toxic to dogs. The only caveat would be if the seed were coated in fertilizers or poisons. Otherwise, there is no reason to worry about this plant around dogs.
Here is an article that will help you to grow Winter Rye:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/grains/cover-crops/winter-rye-grass-growing.htm
I am planning to plant an area of about 100x 50 with Rye and Barley, however my problem might be deer grazing on them. First question could I plant both these crops close to each other? Second how do I keep deer from eating too much of it?
These articles should be helpful:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cover-crops/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
I want to make rye flour from scratch by growing it in my garden. I cannot find seeds online, other than for grazing rye and other green manure varieties. Can I just plant rye berries bought from a health food store?
Yes, as long as they are not malted, or roasted. Plain, dried grains will germinate just fine. Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/grains/rye/how-to-grow-rye-at-home.htm