How to Separate Rye From Ragweed Seed

Rye and ragweed seeds are important to keep separate to ensure they are both safe and effective for humans and animals. Both types of seeds are well known for causing allergic reactions resulting in itching, coughing, sneezing and watering eyes. Soil receives many nutrients from rye seeds, while wild pheasants and quail feed from ragweed. Separating the seeds and planting them in different areas will make for a most advantageous use of both rye and ragweed.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Mason jar with lid (2)
• Masking tape
• Pen
• Work gloves
• Shovel
• Hose

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Instructions

• 1

  Slide on latex gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask to protect skin, eyes and lungs from allergic reaction.

• 2

  Identify the two types of seeds. Look for a long, narrow body and a green or amber color of the rye seed. Find ragweed seeds by their compact, chunky diamond-like shape and dark brown color.

• 3

  Place rye seeds into one Mason jar. Screw on the lid once all seeds are inside. Place a strip of masking tape onto the jar. Label the jar: "Rye Seeds." Repeat this step with the second jar and ragweed seeds. Label the second jar: "Ragweed Seeds." Remove the latex gloves and place on work gloves.

• 4

  Plant the rye seeds liberally throughout your garden. Dig one-inch holes below the soil surface. Drop seeds into the hole and re-cover with soil. Water your garden two to three times a week.

• 5

  Plant ragweed seeds within or along the edges of open fields. Plant ragweed seeds in an identical manner to rye seeds. Following steps 1 through 5 will ensure an initial separation of the seeds and a way to keep them separate when they are in use.