Cricket Square Tasks for October where post renovations aftercare starts ahead of next season, including cutting, nutrition, brushing and more!
written by and with thanks to TurfCareBlog
Cutting
For many October is the first cut of the new seed post renovations, topping by use of a rotary mower is common practice at around 30-40 mm. Gentle lowering of the HOC over a few cuts is recommended, prior to the introduction of a cylinder mower once the plant is up and established.
Whatever you use, ensure the blade is sharpe and or on cut to prevent tearing.
Aim of HOC range for winter 18-22mm on the squares, outfield depending on limitations of equipment and whether you have winter sports.
Nutrition
Once a few cuts have done and growth slows and the plant starts to yellow, it more than likely it’s time for the first fertiliser application post renovations. Any suitable sport turf Autumn/Winter feed do, if there still seed coming up from recent overseeding then avoid any products containing iron (Fe), as this can scorch very young grass plants.
Ideally any fertilisers applied are in line with annual soil testing results recommendations.
Brushing of the square
Once grass coverage is restored and topdressing is fully washed in, brushing the turf using a drag brush can be beneficial for disbursing worm casts and other benefits including the removal of surface dews which can lead to the formation of diseases.
Aeration
Next month is the more likely month to start aeration works, once the soil profile is softer and the new grass plants have established deeper rooting.
Machinery
-Drain down the roller drums
-Drain down any petrol engine that will sit about all winter and fill up any diesel machines to prevent condensation building up in the tank
-Investigate the servicing of machinery but keep back those for cutting as grass grows around 10 months of the year.
Other Tasks
Winter storage of sheets, covers and boundary ropes etc.
Leaf clearance from around fence line around square, leaves will smoother grass plants and will kill them if left there over time. and loam are the bread and butter of a cricket square, so if funds allow don’t skimp on what’s needed.
Top Blogs for October
When to Carry out the First cut after Renovation
Don’t put your Squares to Bed for Winter
Tip of the Month
Be patient, seed can come up in stages but also be prepared to overseed later this month or even in early November.
Brian
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