Many gardeners use rye grass as an interim filler to make a dormant lawn more attractive. Because rye grass grows quickly and prolifically, it readily germinates and fills in a suffering lawn. Some rye grass is annual, which means it will complete its growing cycle within one year. Other rye grass is perennial, which means it will remain growing in an area year after year. Maintain either annual or perennial rye grass by watering it to keep it adequately hydrated.
Set up the rain gauge to measure the amount of water either that falls naturally onto the rye grass or that you apply with the hose or the sprinkler.
Water rye grass with the garden hose or the sprinkler when less than 1 inch of rain accumulates during a one-week period.
Apply the water slowly and evenly over the rye grass surface to water the rye grass deeply. Because rye grass roots can penetrate as deep as 12 inches below the soil level, adequate watering must reach all of these roots. Leave the sprinkler or apply water with the hose until the rain gauge registers 1/2 inch of water.
Water the rye grass a second time during the same week, again applying 1/2 inch of water, to supply the rye grass with 1 inch of water during a one-week period.
Continue to monitor the amount of water the rye grass receives by watching the rain gauge. Provide supplemental watering twice per week to ensure the rye grass receives at least 1 inch of water each week.