Date: 29th Mar 2024
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ARE YOU READY FOR THE WINTER?

Date: 1st December 2014

ARE YOU READY FOR THE WINTER?

Advice from the LCB Groundsman's Association

We are pleased to publish an update from Paul Tatton (Chairman of the LCB Groundsman's Association) about December advice on cricket ground maintenance.

Continue to punch spike and sarrel roll, when conditions allow, to end of January or early February to keep pitch surface open to the elements to receive Autumn / Winter fertiliser, oxygen and water. Temperatures still up on average so continue to “top off” both square and outfield with sharp cylinder mowers. Consider servicing machines as good offers are around at this time of year.

A good sharp dry frost would be ideal over the Xmas period for 3-4 weeks to create “heave” which will send worms down and oxygenate the indigenous root zone.

Autumn leaves (Eva Cassidy probably one of my favourite Desert Island Discs) – gutters, gullies, culverts and grids all need clearing to promote good drainage issues.

Turn diesel engines over during winter months and keep batteries charged.

Pneumatic tyres – relating to covers, some sightscreens, wheelbarrows, spikers and scarifiers – all these operate more beneficially with the correct tyre pressures as with motor vehicles.

As we speak upgrading of the trailer machines is in progress i.e. spikers, Sisis autorake and belt spreaders. 3 brand new cyclone spreaders with pneumatic tyres available to go on trailers for next season.

Carbendazim is a wormkiller / suppressant. Due to EU Regulations it is coming off the market in February 2015 so now is a good time to stock up.

The trailer featured in the previous monthly issue November Necessities has been sold. Other items Double drum (24”) sarrel roller £375.00, New pvc marking out frame for popping crease £85.00 and New Bow Dry water removal machine £425.00 still available.

Helpful tip on ‘squaring up’ pitches and centre-stump markings (see diagram).

Upcoming Meetings

A speaker meeting is being arranged for the end of January 2015 - details to follow shortly.

The AGM has been arranged for Wednesday 5th March 2015 at a venue to be confirmed.

 

Any ground issues and contact details for Paul and other pitch advisors visit: 3 ECB Pitch Advisors.

All that remains for me to say is have a nice festive period and all the very best for the New Year.

Paul Tatton

* First published on the LCB Website www.lancashirecricket.co.uk 

 

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