Mark Morgan Top Tips & Tasks on the square and outfields for December and January. Mark shares his experiences to keep moss and disease at bay and all related things from around his site.
About
I am Head Grounds person at Belper Meadows in Derbyshire. My role covers cricket, hockey, tennis and bowls, as well as all the surrounds.
Thoughts & Tips
Regular Brushing (Square + Outfield)
Prevents moisture, dew and worm casts from sitting on the surface. Helps stand the grass up, reduces disease risk, and keeps the sward clean.
Light Winter Cutting (Square + Outfield)
Keep the square at 18-25 mm, depending on growth. Outfield at 25–35 mm if you don’t share it with other sports. Don’t scalp or cut during frost.
Monitor Grass Health
Focus on maintaining even, healthy coverage on the square. The grass will tell you if it needs to be fed. Look for signs of yellowing in the leaves; red thread is common this time of year. In mild spells, a light feed (very low nitrogen, high potassium) may help stress resistance — optional, based on conditions.
An iron (Fe) treatment can help combat moss. Check daily for Fusarium (Microdochium) or other fungal patches. Encourage airflow by brushing and removing debris.
Solid-Tine Aeration (Outfield, and Square Only if Ground Allows)
December is ideal for deep spiking on the outfield to relieve compaction.
Square: only very shallow solid-tining (6–8 mm wide) if ground conditions are right. Much like rolling in the season, you don’t want it to be too wet; always do a test pass and check for any lifting or smearing. Avoid any aggressive / hollow coring on the square in winter.
Keep Surface Clean (Square + Outfield)
Remove leaves, debris, twigs and anything that traps moisture. Reduces shade and disease pressure.
Drainage Checks
Make sure drains, ditches and run-offs are clear of leaves and blockages. Surface water sitting too long is a major winter risk.
Machinery Maintenance
December is perfect for servicing mowers, sharpening blades, cleaning filters, and greasing fittings. Check rollers, tractors, slitters, and scarifier’s so they’re ready for early spring.
Mark
You can find me on:
Instagram – Mark_ycg
Tiktok – Mark.ycg
Twitter – Mark_YCG
Facebook – Mark the young cricket groundsman
Youtube – @markycg
