Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - When to mow rye and plant bermuda

I recently laid topsoil down and planted winter rye grass on my steep watershed banks of 2 acre pond. The ryegrass achieved 12-18 inch in height and actually went to seed. It is dying now and turning brown and laying over. I'm getting ready to mow it down and plant bermuda grass seed. I was told to mow blowing grass TOWARDS the ponds edge I guess so maybe some seed would grow? If it is winter rye I don't see where it would matter? It did it's job and stopped erosion on that new topsoil and my pond cleared to 18 inch visibility. Please advise what I should do in preperation to spread bermuda seed in this area. I assume I need to cut this rye down as low as I can.

Mow it low, don't worry about where the seeds go - they will germ but the growth will diminish. After mowing dethatch then overseed with bermuda - wet, let dry, wet, etc. til it germs out

Winter rye is typically an annual mix that will germ in cooler temps. The seeds will continue to germ in the summer but the amount of live grass will taper off as the seeds are reduced each time. If you mow winter rye before it goes to seed it will practically never come back. It makes a great "bed" to support perennial grasses. As it dies off it can reduce nitrogen levels in soil which makes it harder for some weeds/small plants to grow. It can also "fix" dead spots in lawns as it dies off - that is why it is in lawn patch