November has bought with it some very welcome rain. Just under 23mm in 6 days which has helped soften the ground. With that in mind, during drier periods we have aerated all our cricket squares down to 60mm with the Toro Pro-Core and aerated the outfields and rugby pitches with the Sisis Maxi-Slit.

 

I have continued with a 9-7-7 feed on our 1st XV pitch and at last it is recovering from major drought stress and is looking half decent.

 

I have applied a 4-12-12 feed on our cricket outfields on Turf and New Ground and have given the 1st XI pitch on Turf an extra boost of 9-7-7.

 

The wind and rain have also brought down a lot of leaves especially from the broader leafed trees and as usual it will be Christmas before we see the last of the oaks shed their foliage. So a busy time at the moment keeping the grass, roads and paths clear of the crispy brown stuff! The S.W'ly wind also brings down a lot of Larch needles onto our artificial surfaces which require constant attention also.

 

Soon I will bring in the contractor to control our increasing casting worm population on our 1st XI outfield, which also hosts grass hockey pitches, and all of our cricket squares and nets. Timing is crucial to avoid high winds, too wet conditions for the cricket squares and ensuring the areas are clear of leaves. To date all of these factors haven't occurred together, both frustrating for me and the contractor.

 

It won't be long before we start initial marking football pitches for the Lent term. Time flies!