How to Grow Italian Rye Grass
- 1). Dig a 6-inch hole and collect 1/2 cup of soil from the bottom. Conduct a soil pH test on the soil. Italian ryegrass needs a soil pH range from 5 to 8.3 in order to absorb the soil's nutrients. Spread lime over acidic soil and sulfur over alkaline soil based on the results.
- 2). Press a soil thermometer into the ground. Ryegrass seed needs a soil temperature between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in order to germinate.
- 3). Till the soil and break up any clumps. Push a lawn roller over the soil and add soil to uneven areas.
- 4). Pour 3 to 4 lb. of seed in your seed distributor. Italian ryegrass needs to be distributed at 3 to 4 lb. per acre. Push the seed distributor back and forth across your lawn. Go over the seed with a lawn roller to ensure good soil contact with the seed.
- 5). Cover the Italian ryegrass with 1/4 inch of compost. Water the soil so that it is just moist.
- 6). Water your grass seed with a fine mist four times a day, but stop in the afternoon. The soil should be moist but never saturated.
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