How To Water Rye Grass Seed

Rye grass is a popularly used in dry Western states during the winter. In Phoenix, Arizona, it's mixed with Bermuda grass for household lawns because Bermuda goes dormant in the winter and rye cannot handle the heat of the summertime in that region.

Rye grass is also being used more for grazing lands and reclamation projects, because it sprouts quickly, anchors soil from erosion, and is highly nutritious forage for grazing animals.

Rye is not a drought tolerant grass though, so deep irregular waterings will not help it survive long, dry spells. Instead, rye needs to be watered on a regular set schedule.

Step 1

Spread the rye grass seed evenly around your lawn using a drop spreader, or hand-sow them–scatter handfuls of seed evenly across the yard–if desired.

Step 2

Spread manure compost on top of the scattered, or just cut open the compost bags and drag them in lines up and down the yard, letting it spill out as you go. After the bags are empty, spread the compost cover over the seeds using a garden rake.

Step 3

Turn on the water sprinkler and water the newly sown seeds for 10 minutes, twice each day for the first three days.

Step 4

Reduce watering slowly after the first three days until you're watering the new seed every 2 to 3 days. The ground should be kept moist but not too wet.

Rye grass seeds usually sprout within 10 to 14 days.