Winter Rye
cover-crop
Hardiest winter cereal cover — survives -30°F. Cut before heading, then turn under.
At a glance
- USDA Zones
- 3–9
- Sun
- Full sun (6+ hrs)
- Water
- Low — drought-tolerant once established
- Soil
- Loam, sandy, clay
- pH
- Acidic, neutral
- Spacing
- 2 in. between plants
- Per square foot
- 36 plants per square
Planting & harvest windows
Northern Hemisphere timing. Adjust ±4–6 weeks based on your last/first frost dates.
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant |
Plant Harvest
Recommended varieties
- Aroostookseed
Cold-hardy New England winter rye, strong fall growth.
- Wheelerseed
Productive winter rye widely sold for cover-crop use.
Add Winter Rye to your raised bed — the planner handles spacing and companion warnings automatically.
Open the planner →