Now is the time to plant ryegrass
A stand of ryegrass planted this fall means green grazing through the cold months and fewer bales of hay to buy before spring.
Why ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is one of the most dependable winter grazing options in Georgia. It grows statewide, handles wet spots and close grazing better than most, and puts out high-quality forage when your summer pastures have gone dormant. UGA Extension notes that overseeding a pasture can add 75 to 100 days of high-quality grazing in late winter and spring.
Every day your animals spend grazing green ryegrass is a day you're not pulling hay off the stack.
Get it in the ground soon
UGA's recommended planting window runs from late August through October. If you haven't planted yet, don't wait any longer. Ryegrass planted in early November will still make a stand, but it puts on less growth before cold weather and does most of its growing in late winter and spring.
How to plant it
- Check your pH. Ryegrass does best when soil pH is above 6.0. If you pulled a soil sample this fall, follow its lime recommendation. If you haven't, see last month's tips on soil testing and lime.
- Knock down your summer grass. If you're overseeding bermudagrass or bahiagrass, graze or mow off the extra summer growth first so the seed can reach the soil.
- Use the right seeding rate. Planted alone, ryegrass goes down at 20 to 30 pounds per acre. Use the lower end if you're drilling. If you're broadcasting, add 25 to 30 percent to allow for uneven coverage. In a mix with small grains or clover, drop to 15 to 20 pounds per acre.
- Keep it shallow. Don't plant ryegrass seed deeper than half an inch.
- Feed it. Put out 40 to 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting or soon after the plants come up. Plan on another 40 to 50 pounds in mid-winter, and a third application in early spring if you want to keep it growing.
Graze it right
Don't graze your ryegrass into the ground. Leave at least 2½ inches of stubble so it can keep growing back.
Planting into a bermudagrass hayfield? Graze, mow or hay the ryegrass off before your bermuda breaks dormancy, usually by late April here in north Georgia, so it doesn't hold back your bermuda in the spring.
How we can help
We carry Marshall and Triangle T ryegrass seed and can order most other varieties, plus the fertilizer to get it going. Not sure how much you need? Bring us your acreage and your soil report, and we'll help you work out seed and fertilizer. We can also custom blend and spread fertilizer for you.
Planting and grazing guidance from UGA Extension: Georgia Forages: Annual Ryegrass and Establishment of Winter Annual Grasses.