Ground Tips - March

If due to wet conditions, no rolling could be carried out in February, begin the rolling regime now. Commence with a light roller or heavy mower with the blades disconnected, and initially across the line of play and diagonally only. Gradually increase the weight of the roller over the next few weeks to begin consolidating the surface.

Continue regular cutting at the winter height gradually reducing to ¾ inch by the end of the month.

If an application of Autumn/Winter fertiliser has not yet been applied, do it out now.

If there are any bare areas on the square especially at pitch ends that have not fully recovered after the autumn renovation, reseeded and level in an attempt to increase the grass coverage. Use germination sheets or hessian sheeting to cover the newly sown areas, to assist in the germination process.

Mowing the outfield should commence as soon as conditions permit, initially, just topping the grass at approximately 1 inch and then gradually lowering the height to as low as the contours of the field will allow for the start of the season.