New Cricket Diary 2003
Cricket Diary
Cricket is played as a summer sport, the season commencing from the end of April to September.
The closed season allows for an end of season renovation, hopefully while the good germination weather is still with us and continues through the dormant winter period until the spring. If end of season renovation work hasn't been completed fully before the cold weather sets in, in the autumn, then don't panic, the spring usually allows enough time to make any repairs and get any new grasses established in time for the start of the season.
See our Useful Information section for the minimum boundary lengths of the outfield and the wicket markings.
Our monthly diary is not 'set in stone' and is purely designed as a guideline. There are variables involved that will ensure that no working template can be created, the weather, the site location, aspect, soil characteristics, finance available will help to determine your own working diary.
Please feel free to e-mail us on mail@pitchcare.com your helpful hints and tips for any months during the year.
January
This is usually a very quiet month. Given the recent wet weather and heavy frosts try to keep off the square if possible. If the square is firm enough to walk on, then remove dew with a brush, drag mat, switch or length of rope. This operation will also help to disperse worm casts. Worm casts if left will smear and bury grass when mowing or rolling at a later date.
By regular brushing the grass is left standing upright enabling it to breathe with the improved air circulation. The grass will also be free from moisture (that helps disease spores to spread).
Keep a check on any disease and spray accordingly if the milder weather helps it to become more prevalent. Check that table is roped or fenced off securely from other winter sportsmen (footballers etc) and dog walkers/foxes and golfers!
On the outfield, tip with the mower if possible, once during the month and aerate using deeper slit tines to remove any surface compaction and help the drainage.
Inspect any drain traps and make sure they are free from debris. If there is an artificial strip on the square then brush it regularly to clean any debris from it and edge around it to stop grass encroaching. Check practice nets for damage and repair as necessary. Sight screens can be rubbed down and painted.
Useful hint: Start up any machines that have not been used for a while and let the engine tick over for a few minutes.