Medieval Farming, Rye

It is believed that rye originated in south western Asia about 6500 B.C. It migrated westward across the Balkan Peninsula into Europe.

Today, rye still is grown extensively in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant thrives on high altitudes. It has the greatest winter hardiness of all the small grains, growing as far north as the Arctic Circle!
There are three basic classes of rye, depending on their kernel size

Long grain, Medium grain and Short grain.

Rye is an excellent winter cover crop because it rapidly produces a ground cover that holds soil in place against the forces of wind and water. Rye's deep roots help prevent compaction in annually tilled fields, and, because its roots are quite extensive, rye also has a positive effect on soil tilth.

Rye thrives on well drained loamy soils, but it's tolerant of both heavy clays and droughty, sandy soils. Rye can withstand drought better than other cereal grains, in part because of its prolific root system.

It grows best with ample moisture, but excessive rainfall can suppresses subsequent vegetative growth and can flood it.

Farming Slaves, Weeding, Ploughing, Seeds, Irrigation, Sickles, Threshing, Wheat, Barley, Millet, Oats, Rye, Olive Trees, Grapevines