March Bowls Diary 2004
By Editor
Most of the tasks detailed can be undertaken within a limited budget. Local conditions and circumstances will need to be taken into account.
If any members are undertaking any specific work not detailed, please let us know by adding a comment in the section below the diary.
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March tasks for Bowls |
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Task |
Frequency |
Reason |
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Aeration |
When conditions allow. Do not carryout aeration when there is the likelihood of smearing or damaging the surface |
Aeration is important to improve surface and subsurface drainage capacity of the green. Aeration also increases gaseous exchanges in the soil. |
|
Brushing / switching |
Daily or as required |
Brushing / switching of the playing surface keeps the green clean and removes any dew or surface water. By keeping the surface dry will aid resistance to disease |
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Disease |
Daily |
Keep an eye on fungal disease attack, and use approved fungicides to treat infected areas. |
|
Drainage channels/gullies |
Weekly or as required |
Inspect and clean out drain outfalls and gullies. Replacing and levelling up of drainage ditch materials. |
| Fertilising | Pre season / as required | An application of spring fertiliser to stimulate healthy grass growth. |
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Irrigation equipment |
Daily / Weekly |
Ensure that water valves are switched off and systems drained down to prevent frost damage. Organise winter overhaul of irrigation equipment ready for the coming season. |
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Litter pick |
Weekly or as required |
Inspect and clear away and litter or debris, (high winds may blow debris onto greens). |
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Machinery |
Daily / Weekly |
Keep machines overhauled and clean. Consider organising repairs to ensure the machinery operational (servicing & sharpening) |
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Materials |
Monthly |
Ensure you have organised and ordered the appropriate materials from suppliers, don't leave it too late! |
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Mowing |
Weekly or as required |
Soil and air temperatures will begin to rise in March and this will stimulate grass growth. Regular mowing will now be implemented to develop an even sward. It is important to lower the height of cut gradually until reaching the optimum height for match play at the start of the bowling season. |
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Repairs |
As required |
Carry out any repairs to ditches, paths, gates, floodlights and other building features. |
| Scarifying | Pre season | Scarifying should be carried out to remove moss, thatch and decaying matter that may have formed during the winter. |
| Soil tests | Ideally once or twice a year, or as required. | March is an ideal time to obtain a soil analysis of the green, measuring for soil Ph, nutrients levels and organic matter content, which are seen as good indicators of the condition of the soil. Once you have this information you will be in a better position to plan your seasons feeding and maintenance programmes. |