Rye (Secale cereale) is a grass grown extensively as a grain, a cover crop (in viticulture and other forms of agriculture) and a forage crop. It is a member of the wheat tribe and is closely related to barley and wheat. Rye grain is used for flour, bread, beer, crispbread, some whiskeys, some vodkas, and animal fodder.

Characteristics: Tolerant to drought and extreme cold (the most cold tolerant cereal). Grows rapidly in cool weather, so one of the best species if sowing is delayed until late autumn or winter. More extensive root system than other cereals. Soil pH: 4.5-8.0.

When sown: Sow cereal rye during the late summer or early fall, and it will grow until late in fall and resume growing in spring.

New Zealander Bart Arnst told me “I’m not a fan of ryegrass in vineyards as it is very competitive. It depends a lot on soil type of course and the rates you sow.”