This blog is a very small series of my experience of cricket pitch preparation this week and my thoughts during the early stages of the process.
The video rambles on a bit, l am certainly not a natural.
l can also hear some good nuggets of wisdom in them, so l shall lay aside my pride for the greater good.
Part One-Pitch Cut Out
l discuses the cutting out height.
I go through what l want to achieve from verticutting.
I also go into what level of moisture l want achieve within the soil profile, to what depth, prior to considering the next step of watering.
Part two -Verticutting results
l have now verticut the wicket and l am getting ready for stage three, watering.
In this video l speak of what grass cover/density l am looking for and what my plan are for future thinning and standing up of the surface.
As you will see in the video, after verticutting its quite shocking the level of dead grass that was removed. A real eye opener in how quickly thatch can build on used wickets.
Part Three-Roller Ready?
Goes into the visual assessment of the soil profile and surface, and discusses when is the right time to bring on the roller.
I also talk through the preparation period timescale and planned rolling regime, and the use of dome covers for shading the surface.
Part Four- A few Days into Prep
In part four we look at the soil profile and surface to see how the wicket is progressing.I also discuss surface poa annua(Meadow grass) and my plans for dealing with it, and how l am going to manage the rest of the preparation period into next week.
I would also highly recommend you watch this video by the ECB, it is a much better put together video than mine. l think by the time we have watched all the videos we would have gained some tips.
For more how to video guides check this out-https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-video-guides-turfcareblog/
I hope you found this short series of video helpful, if you would like to make any of your own or want me to do so then just shout!
Brian
5 comments
brilliant videos and less condescending than the natwest ecb video imo.
Excellent Brian. I picked up the tip of a wire brush. so simple. I’d have used a hard bristle brush for that poa that just won’t stand up yours is a lot easier on the back for certain and targets a much smaller target area. I’m using your method from now on. Thanks.
Great new and thanks for letting me know it was helpful ..
👍
Can you help me with a instruction video for construction of a pitch plot