Rye grass in for the winter?

**Jason** · 10-18-2009, 12:58 PM

So who is putting rye down for the winter? I did some over seeding last week, and some heavy seeding in bare spots. The stuff is shooting up like crazy already.

**Old Rich** · 10-18-2009, 01:15 PM

Rye in Florida?

**Jason** · 10-19-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpswr

Rye in Florida?

Yup, it grows great in the winter. The bad part though, most lawns in the winter, you may have to mow, maybe once or month. With the rye I end up mowing almost weekly.

**Old Rich** · 10-19-2009, 11:50 AM

I had used it in Oklahoma but never thought about doing it in Florida

**Jason** · 10-19-2009, 12:03 PM

Well it is nice, since my lawn seems to thin out some during winter. I also have two spots that I have a major problem getting grass to grow. They are not big spots, but the rye comes in just fine.

**pat mcgroin** · 10-20-2009, 07:31 AM

Hey Jason,
Is the rest of your grass St. Augustine?
Something that I found that worked well when I lived there is to verticut the lawn to help reduce the length of the grass vines. After they are cut they will try to grow additional roots at the ends of the cut to help it stay alive and thus fill in the yard with the new growth.
You can rent the machine at any rental center that rents equipment.

I could see where certain types of rye grass could work there if there is some shade available to it. I wouldnt think that it would do as well in the heat of the summer otherwise. If it does go well you will have a outstanding lawn in no time with the combination of the 2.
Lets us know how it works out.

**Jason** · 10-20-2009, 09:27 AM

I have a mix of weeds, bahia grass, and bermuda grass. I believe what you are talking about is dethatching. I have looked into it, and they say early spring is the best time to do it. I may do it next year.

Rye grows great in the winter, but the summer it is long dead. However there is a type of rye, called Brown Top Mullet, that grows in the summer here. Both are seasonal, and you have to re-seed each time, and there is usually a month or two between seasons for them.

**pat mcgroin** · 10-21-2009, 07:42 AM

Dethaching is basically a power rake where as verti cutting is actually using knives to cut the vines of the ST Augustine.
But since you dont have any it is of no matter.

Grass in FLA is always difficult due to the heat and the sandy soil.
Maybe when the grass dies off again try a dump truck of top soil to help give it a good base.
Just a thought.

wolfen1086 · 12-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

So who is putting rye down for the winter? I did some over seeding last week, and some heavy seeding in bare spots. The stuff is shooting up like crazy already.

Dunno about Fla, but here in Virginia the only people that seed with rye grass use winter rye, and those are the ones that don't mind mowing grass at 30 degrees.

just 2 cents from a Groundskeeper 3 for the city schools here in Va.
I do the fences now but I did grass on game fields for 10 years first

**Jason** · 02-03-2010, 03:01 PM

This is one of the problem spots during the summer. You cannot see the whole tree that blocks the area from sun. But I did trim it back recently. Hopefully it will help this year. The rye is growing beautifully there.

wolfen1086 · 02-03-2010, 03:41 PM

sunshine does help, also in the spring you can over seed that area with a product called Rebels Grass Seed, its a Fescue Blend that seems to thrive just about anywhere, around here anyway.

**Jason** · 02-03-2010, 03:57 PM

Thanks, I will have to look for that. It just stinks because the dogs run through the mud there when it rains, and then the floors get filthy.

**SABL** · 02-04-2010, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Thanks, I will have to look for that. It just stinks because the dogs run through the mud there when it rains, and then the floors get filthy.

Don't I know!! Hope it's just mud they are tracking in..

Rye with the Fescue overseed sounds like 'the' plan.

wolfen1086 · 02-04-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Thanks, I will have to look for that. It just stinks because the dogs run through the mud there when it rains, and then the floors get filthy.

Ahhh dogs :) gotta love the muddy feeted things:)
hate to say this man, but dogs cancel grass. the only thing that stops a dogs feet from tracking mud in is caller AstroTurf, its usually found in football stadiums, and old peoples back porches, some outdoor bars and I think hardware stores carry it.

**bozodog** · 02-05-2010, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen1086

Ahhh dogs :) gotta love the muddy feeted things:)
hate to say this man, but dogs cancel grass. the only thing that stops a dogs feet from tracking mud in is caller AstroTurf, its usually found in football stadiums, and old peoples back porches, some outdoor bars and I think hardware stores carry it.

The river of mud in our laundry room and kitchen is proof of that! Our Boxer, Bozo, has a high-banked, dirt track around the shady garden... No growing grass there...

wolfen1086 · 02-05-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozodog

The river of mud in our laundry room and kitchen is proof of that! Our Boxer, Bozo, has a high-banked, dirt track around the shady garden... No growing grass there...

I feel your pain there brother, I have three dogs, one is my mother in laws little 5 lb toe nibbler that can back down a Lion, one is a 10 Lb mix that belongs to my oldest son and then there's Misty, my dog, 75lbs of Lab Sheppard mix that is so hyper that if she can't find any mud in the back yard she'll dig her own pit, roll in it, then bring about a ton of mud into the house on her feet and fur.

**SABL** · 02-06-2010, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen1086

I feel your pain there brother, I have three dogs, one is my mother in laws little 5 lb toe nibbler that can back down a Lion, one is a 10 Lb mix that belongs to my oldest son and then there's Misty, my dog, 75lbs of Lab Sheppard mix that is so hyper that if she can't find any mud in the back yard she'll dig her own pit, roll in it, then bring about a ton of mud into the house on her feet and fur.

Doesn't that make the job of dusting the furniture a joy?? Furnace filters only last half the expected life (if you are lucky). Out of 4 dogs the smallest I have is 55lbs.

**bozodog** · 02-06-2010, 05:29 AM

It's the doggy door! I gave up many years ago being a door-gal for all the furbabies.

One wants out, one wants in, all out, one in... Jeesch! A mop and bucket by the door kinda does it.

We have a Boxer/Shepard mix, a registered Boxer, and a 40 lb muttly. Add the three cats and it's quite a parade... in and out.

wolfen1086 · 02-06-2010, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SABL

Doesn't that make the job of dusting the furniture a joy?? Furnace filters only last half the expected life (if you are lucky). Out of 4 dogs the smallest I have is 55lbs.

Actually no it doesn't do anything to my furniture, the dogs are NOT allowed on the furniture, so all I have to do is replace furnace and A/C filters about once a week.