From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

How many pounds of winter rye seed is advisable for broadcast over 1000 sq ft?

Thanks

10/23/2007 7:54:35 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Actually I found this:

Rake the Garden smooth, then broadcast seed at the rate of two pounds per 1,000 square-foot area. Rake lightly to cover the seed, then water. Generally, two or, at most, three fall waterings are enough to germinate and establish rye.

Any other information from other growers that do it differently?

10/23/2007 7:56:35 PM

Decatur, IL

I'd apply it at double that rate if you want a really good stand. I've also read 2 lbs. per 1000 sq.ft., but I know a number of people that spread it a lot more heavily.

10/23/2007 8:42:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Heavier is wasteful, makes spring tilling harder & might even promote nitrogen related diseases. Try doing it right & you might be pleasantly surprised.

10/24/2007 1:01:32 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Russ pointed me in the direction of some cover crop information from:

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/2cover.htm#table26

It has some rates for seeding. I just want to see if I am doing the conversions properly....could someone check my math?

Assumptions
-----------
1 hectare = 107 639.104 square feet (google)
1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs

If we are trying to figure out for 1000 square feet, then a hectare is roughly 83 times larger than our desired 1000 square foot plot. So we have to divide the weight recommendation for planting by 83.

The recommendation for winter wheat is 100-130 kilograms. This equates to 220-286 lbs. If we divide these values by 83, we get a range of 2.65-3.45 lbs.

Does this make sense?

10/24/2007 4:32:00 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

Jordan

I didn't check your math but the rates are correct. Keep in mind that these rates are based on using a drill to seed the Rye. If you are broadcasting you should increase the rates by 25-30%. Also If you are sowing late, like right now, you want to lean toward the higher end of the rate.....so I would spread 3.5-4 lbs/ 1000 ft2 if you are doing it in the near future. keep in mind that Rye seeded in Ontario this late may not produce much top growth this fall. It all depends on how warm it stays for the next three weeks.

John

10/24/2007 10:39:19 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I just wish it would not rain and give me a couple days of drying so I can till.

10/25/2007 9:47:49 AM