Organic Rye

When grown as a green manure, rye effectively prevents leaching, protects the soil from wind and water erosion, and improves soil structure. It can be sown on any available plot. However, the Guide to Comprehensive Management of Organic and Diversified Market Gardens* cautions against sowing too soon after the rye has been destroyed: “Based on field observations, rye destroyed in the spring appears to have an allelopathic effect on corn. It is therefore highly likely that this effect also exists for certain vegetables.”

* Guide to the overall management of organic and diversified market garden farms by Bio-Action, Équiterre 2009

• Rye has an impressive fibrous root system.
• This biennial variety survives the rigors of winter and uses soil moisture early in spring for rapid growth.
• The seeds are sown broadcast on any free plot from the beginning of September to the end of October and germinate in 3 to 6 days (soil temperature between 1 and 20 °C).
• The young plants are buried the following spring, 2 to 3 weeks before the establishment of vegetable crops.
• Burying them is more difficult when they are cut down at full maturity.
• Seeding rate: 2 kg/100 ^m² – 4 lb/1000 sq ^ft