January Cricket Diary 2004

January Cricket diary

By Jon Buddington

Hand brush or switch square daily if conditions allow.

Check for moss outbreaks, especially if you haven't been able to walk the square recently because of frost or waterlogging.

Certain ends may be sparse in grass cover so plan germination process for end of month, with supply of seed and loam. The earlier these areas are seeded and germination takes place, the quicker the grass plant will reach maturity and therefore a better wear tolerance for the onset of the season.

Solid tine spike the square with pedestrian machine, a cam driven machine is deeper in penetration than a cylinder actioned but, if you don't have the choice, do whatever is available and that includes handforking, bearing the weight of your feet on wooden planks.

A winter feed is required if the grass is showing signs of stress. Remember ryegrass is a hungry grass. So feed it!