• Cover Crop - Native Rye Mix native plant in bloom
  • Cover Crop - Native Rye Mix native plant in bloom
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Cover Crop - Native Rye Mix

Cover Crop - Native Rye Mix

$ 600.00
$ 600.00
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Pure Live Seed

Seed is provided in Pure Live Seed (PLS) unless otherwise stated.

Pure Live Seed (PLS) refers to the percentage of a seed lot that consists of the desired species and is viable (capable of germination).   

Here's why PLS is crucial for native seeds:

  • Accurate Planting:
    • PLS helps determine the actual number of viable seeds in a given weight or volume of seed.   
    • This ensures you plant the correct amount of seed to achieve the desired density and success rate.   
  • Cost-Effectiveness:
    • By knowing the PLS, you can avoid overspending on seed that may not germinate.
    • This is especially important for native seeds, which can be more expensive than some cultivated varieties.
  • Weed Control:
    • PLS helps minimize the presence of weed seeds within the seed lot.
    • This reduces competition for resources and ensures the successful establishment of the desired native plants.
  • Ecological Restoration:
    • Using high-quality native seeds with a high PLS is essential for successful ecological restoration projects.
    • It helps to re-establish diverse and resilient plant communities that support local wildlife.

The mix consists of two native Rye grasses that germinates and grows quickly. This mix is a powerful tool in Fly-Wheel-Ecology and Integrated Pest Management to reduce herbicide use.

Also use it to help with the erosion of the soil and your precious seed.  Also, use this cover crop to help compete against weeds and as an indicator crop to help determine if your seeding was successful. It also can be used as a carrier to help spread seed more evenly.

We recommend seeding this for spring and summer installations as a cover crop and anytime as a carrier.  

Please contact us for Quantities larger than 20 lbs.

Natural Communities supplies this blend in retail seed packets for garden spaces and bulk Pure Live Seed (PLS) by the ounce, pound, and multi-acre bag for large-scale restorations.

Mix Specifications

Mix Name Cover Crop - Native Rye Mix
Geographic Suitability Midwest & Eastern US (IL, WI, IN, IA, MI, MO, OH, MN, PA, MD, VA, NY, NJ, WV)
Broadcast Seeding Rate 8.0 – 12.5 lbs/acre PLS (0.25 – 0.35 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Drill Seeding Rate 5.0 – 8.5 lbs/acre PLS (No-till seed drill)
Seed Packet Coverage Covers 100 to 250 sq. ft.
Recommended Nurse Crop Oats (Spring @ 20–30 lbs/ac) or Winter Wheat (Fall @ 15–20 lbs/ac)

Installation & Sowing Guidelines

  • Site Preparation: Ensure a firm, clean, weed-free seedbed prior to broadcast or drill seeding.
  • Seeding Method: Hand-broadcast, mechanical cyclone seeder, or no-till prairie drill; roll or cultipack lightly to ensure 1/8" seed-to-soil contact.
  • Optimal Timing: Late fall dormant seeding (November to March) naturally stratifies conservative forb seeds for synchronized spring emergence.

Comprehensive Ecological & Growth Specifications

Regional Native Status Native
Native Range (States) IL, WI, IN, IA, MI, MO, OH, MN, PA, MD, VA, NY, NJ, WV
USDA Hardiness Zones Zone 3 - 8
Soil Moisture Range Dry to Mesic
Soil pH Range 5.5 - 7.5
Root Architecture & Depth Deep Fibrous / Taproot System (12+ Depth)
Deer & Wildlife Resistance High to Moderate
Drought Tolerance Medium
Larval Host Status Specialist Native Pollinators
Specialist Insects & Wildlife Support Native Solitary Bees, Songbirds (Winter Seed)
Recommended Plug Spacing 12 to 18 on-center
Seed Packet Coverage Covers 100 to 250 sq. ft.
Seeds Per Pound 100000.0
Broadcast Seeding Rate (PLS) 8.0 – 12.5 lbs/acre PLS
Drill Seeding Rate (PLS) 5.0 – 8.5 lbs/acre PLS
Recommended Cover Crop Oats (Spring @ 20–30 lbs/ac) or Winter Wheat (Fall @ 15–20 lbs/ac)

Seed

Shipping & Care

Seed ships all year and typically ships within a week of an order being placed.

We have attempted to put together some basic information regarding native seed installation, establishment, and maintenance.  We hope you find it helpful.  If you need further assistance on native seed establishment, please schedule a free consolation call here.

Consultation Services

Ecosystem Restoration Considerations

Native Seed Establishment Best Management Practices

Native Seed Stratification Best Management Practices

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Solving a Site Problem? Get Expert Advice + Get Store Credit

Whether you're fighting severe erosion, replacing invasive species, designing a pollinator haven, or seeding large acreage, choosing the wrong species wastes time and money. Talk 1-on-1 with a restoration ecologist to map out the exact species, plug counts, or seed mixes for your soil and goals. Book a consultation and get all or a portion credited directly back to your order.

Book A Consultation And Get A Store Credit

Questions & Answers

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