Green Manure Question

[Apostrophes]

Hi, I sowed grazing rye on my allotment as green manure about a month ago. Not all of the seeds germinated and the growth is quite patchy. I am sure I got the area correct. Can I expect the rye to spread over the coming weeks or is that my lot? Right now, the weeds are winning the battle and that defeats the point.

Richard

[DavidT]

Right now, the weeds are winning the battle and that defeats the point.

Richard

The point is, you sowed the rye as a green manure, not as a weed suppressant.   It is still fairly mild so you may have more seed germinate, but don`t bank on it.

[Apostrophes]

As far as I am ware, grazing rye does suppress weeds in addition to it being a manure. I am sure I worked out the correct seed coverage. I am really just wondering if I can expect the rye to spread or if the bare patches will remain so.

Thanks.

[DavidT]

No it doesn`t actually. You need to put a bit of work in to get rid of the weeds.

[Apostrophes]

Thanks, but again, that wasn't really my question. Weeds or no weeds, I am wondering if the rye will take hold and spread or if it will remain patchy.

Thanks.

[Salmo]

Each rye plant should produce up to about 15 side tillers (shoots) from the base by the Spring when the plants will grow away rapidly.  If the weeds are annual weeds, e.g. chickweed, groundsel, they should not set seed in the Winter and can be dug in with the rye.

[Apostrophes]

Salmo,

Thank you, that was very helpful.

Richard