Message Board - Cricket: I've been mowing!
4 Mar 2010 by Steve63
Just thought I would let you know, I have cut my square today.
20mm H of C and tidied up a bit winter tufts, looks great, the kids will no doubt be playing 5 a-side as I write this :(
Oh and we have been cutting fairways as well this week on the golf course, spring must be close?
regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
4 Mar 2010 by Vic Demain
Bands on the outfield, stripes on the square. 36" three ways, pushed down a treat. Might be too dry by next week.
4 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
Yep, it's been nice to be back on the mower - I got both my outfields cut this week and boy do they look better for it.
I'm hopeful to be able to actually get on my main square tomorrow - so having said that it'll probably p1ss it down tonight.
All 3 squares are starting to green up, though you wouldn't know it unless you'd see the colour that they were a few weeks back.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
4 Mar 2010 by Andy Matthews
Cut 3 bowling greens today, the square will get cut tomorrow, hopefully it will be dry enough.
4 Mar 2010 by Barry Pace
Spring has nearly sprung...... SAD loosening its grip too, nice
Plastic.... it's The End I tell you... THE END!!!!
4 Mar 2010 by jlawrence Last edited 4 Mar 2010
spring ain't nearly sprung here. It might be warmer during the day (at times) but last night it still hit less than 1 degree.
It's warm enough and dry enough to start getting on with things, but no where near warm enough to kick start the spring growth yet.
added:
I've like to remove some of the winter cr4p from my squares but it ain't warm enough yet for me to do that - any gaps left will soon get taken up by annoying weeds.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
4 Mar 2010 by trubs
Seven hours in the Sun and Wind, got my 'Groundsmans Glow' back already!
4 Mar 2010 by Chris Thornton
I want to cut my square but it was -3 last night so until we are frost free overnight I wont be doing it yet!
The outfield had a half inch crust of frost on it this A M after being soft the night before!!
Chris
"He not busy being born is busy dying"
4 Mar 2010 by petermarkcraig
According to my very lowtech soil temperature gauge it's 6.9 degrees on the coquet lawns. Spring aint sprung yet!!!
Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.
4 Mar 2010 by ticky21
yippee...so have i been....mowing that is...lol...at last got to try out my new secondhand Toro Groundmaster outfront......OK i only cut out a cross country track for a school.....but i was mowing...haha
Ticky supports British farmers...!!
4 Mar 2010 by olaf
Had a hair cut, does that count?
Some people are like Slinky's, totally useless but amusing if you push them down the stairs
4 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
All ready for next week now then Andy, smarty pants !!
4 Mar 2010 by mario
Minus 6 last night, still frost in the ground.
Trimmed the moustache....does that count?
I know no boundaries.
5 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Harrowed outfield yesterday, thought myface had fallen off though, bleeding cold.
My get my my nice clean newly sharpened triple blades muddy today!
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
5 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Was gonna cut square this morning but been quite a hard frost and working this aft so it looks like waiting then it i'll p**s down again
5 Mar 2010 by Minormorris64
-4 here in South Shropshire last night, nice and sunny this morning.
I think it will be next weekend (13th/14th) before I think about doing anything on our patch.
What goes around, comes around
5 Mar 2010 by wicketdevil
Still hard frosts here so wont mow yet but i am getting excited close to being able to use my 2 new mowers. WD
Can you just is the longest sentence in the world !!!!!!!
5 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Actually, all the forecasts for next 2 weeks, for down here anyway, are for very cold overnight temps.Getting on the square not going to be easy. seems hard to think that we are meant to be playing in 6 weeks1
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
5 Mar 2010 by Monty
Have you guys who look after cricket started the rolling of the main squares yet or is it to early??
It's a lot less bother with a hover!
5 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Not me Monty
Too wet and now hard frosts in morning.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
5 Mar 2010 by supersonic
I mowed the squares yesterday 17mm hoc, not bad after all the snow and frost
5 Mar 2010 by Monty
Square looks well supersonic 
It's a lot less bother with a hover!
5 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Looks lovely mate! Where are you?
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
5 Mar 2010 by Steve G
Our Crown Greens open for play on Good Friday 2nd April. I have had to start bringing them down from 12mm HOC to 8mm at presant, and will feed as soon as we have a spell without frost.
5 Mar 2010 by mario
Good job, Super!
I know no boundaries.
5 Mar 2010 by Minormorris64
Supersonic,
Looks nice, just a quick question, how far is the boundary on the far side of your picture, it may be a trick of the camera, but it doesn't look very far ?
We have a friendly on April 10th 
What goes around, comes around
5 Mar 2010 by Steve63 Last edited 5 Mar 2010
Thinking of doing the outfield this afternoon, what do you think?
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
5 Mar 2010 by Minormorris64
Just measured ground temp. at 4 inches = 2.4c, not much happening there imminently
What goes around, comes around
5 Mar 2010 by supersonic Last edited 5 Mar 2010
Barry...Derbyshire
Minormorris... yes the boundry is close this is the 1st
team square has 15 strips the last 4 in the distance are only used for practice and U10 matches.
Have attached another which may show it better this was the beginning of last season
5 Mar 2010 by Andy Matthews
well what a difference a week and a cut makes, I had water running straight over the square last thursday, I can't match supersonics efforts, after the winter we have had his looks fantastic, I have sprayed it with a Mascot seaweed feed to just try and get things going.
5 Mar 2010 by mario
STEADY LADS!!
Just because it's been done at certain grounds don't get panicky and mess you square up by working on it before conditions are appropriate.
Here endeth the lesson!
I know no boundaries.
5 Mar 2010 by Andy Matthews
I did leave it in the sunshine untill this afternoon and went over the square with a screwdriver to make sure it was thawed out, Mario is correct though and with the cold nights we still have to be cautious.
5 Mar 2010 by mario
I've had 7 degrees but drizzle today but minus 1 tonight.
All of this equals - NAE CHANCE!!
I know no boundaries.
6 Mar 2010 by Steve63
forecasting -5 degrees tonight Brrrrrr
another week or so until I go for a first ever pre season roll,
might do the square as well ;)
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
6 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
Mine is still (imho) too cold to feed. I'm getting minus temperatures at night and I won't feed until I see it above zero.
Cutting wise, I'm happy to cut so long as the ground has fully defrosted but I don't want see the point in feeding if the plant ain't going to take it up - and I'm told it doesn't if it gets cold. It's looking promising for later on in the week, but until then I'm forecast down to -5.
I think the roller key will remain on my key ring in case anyone thinks they'll do me a favour.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
6 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Yep Jon, still minus at night in Surrey too. Cut outfield yesterday though after harrowing smooth side down the day before.Love it when you get the first cut of th outfield done, looks like a cricket again!
Bl**dy leaves still a problem on outfield,snow buried them in the ground. Like painting the forth bridge trying to sweep them up.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
6 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Barry did you have any trouble with the rollers clogging up.
6 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Yes mate. I cleaned them twice during cutting and then thoroughly afterwards. Actually on my triple, its the 2 front ones that clog up, the one underneath is not too bad.
It was the first cut after I got it back from resharpening. i had to adjust the cylinders back down to the bottom blade afterwards, always a bit of bedding in when you use it for the first time.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
6 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Just asked as I cut square with triple yesterday had to clean it 3 times, not really wet stuff just very sticky, I find once youve cleaned it the first time it takes longer to bung up, f in worms.
6 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
You cut your square with your triple? Isnt it a bit heavy handed for that?
I hopefully will have my 24inch square mower back early next week and may cut the square then. But I know I will have to clean the roller every one or two passes. Like you say, sticky always a problem this time of year.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
6 Mar 2010 by mario
Once the pre-season rolling is completed and the square is suitably consolidated I too cut my square with my T-Plex triple during the season., but not pre-season.
I know no boundaries.
6 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Ive got a 213 but minimum HOC is 5/8ths inch, probably about 3/4inch in reality, not low enough for square in season anyway. Too wide a finish anyway, I like to cut the square in track blocks.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
6 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
Are some of you lads suggesting that you have many worm casts on your squares ? If you have get them sprayed now. I thought you were complaining about worm casts in your outfield.
6 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
You have not heard of overlapping then Barry !!
6 Mar 2010 by pacman75cricket
Good to cut square today made it looks miles better, shame parts of outfield too wet to chain harrow cut etc, kept getting the car stuck.
6 Mar 2010 by Steve63
Wow! can you se that 20' bloke taking a picture, if i had a girl with legs that long you would never get me on the f'n square.
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
6 Mar 2010 by jontaylor
Cut outfield today. Second cut this year - it is growing in Lincs, even if only slowly. No pick up of worm casts on rollers (I harrowed gentle spike side before cutting).
Sprayed square with iron this morning. Cut square two weeks ago.
Will be rolling - unballasted - tomorrow. Only a light roll, but with our drainage the ground is drying out. Square almost needs another cut, but will leave to next week.
And yes, I did try sugars again having been unconvinced last year. Bath's comments persuaded me to try again. Perhaps the fact that the square has picked up since the sugars tells me I was too quick to reject them??
The ciderman rolls
6 Mar 2010 by trubs
Steve - That's the opening Bowler apparently, digs a huge hole 25 foot in front of the crease on his follow through. Difficult to see the ball in his delivery stride too.
6 Mar 2010 by Steve63
LOL
steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
6 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Yes Bath
But prefer to use my 24inch thank you, got no boxes on the triple either!
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
7 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
No boxes gives you no choice. 24inch it has to be.
As a matter of interest, i did drag mat my outfield last week, will look to cut this.
Cut the square twice with the 36inch and then covered the square again using the trailing seat under what appears to be my ever increasing bulky frame.
Might blow the cobwebs of the roller this week.
7 Mar 2010 by paul.
MMMM, far too much weight too early!!
Paul
7 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
What are you doing up this early ?
7 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Bath
Still waiting for answer to my Sport England roller grant. But they have said they will hhave a decision on 15th March and he did say that as soon as a grant is apssed I could order the roller as the money would be guaranteed but that he reliased it might be a bot late for my early seasons requirements. So Im interpreting that as it hopefully being positive. But delivery time is 6/8 weeks on the Poweroll, so middle of May probably earliest,make them to order I suppose. Shame I wont have it for PSR but never mind. I will probably ballast it straight up when or if I get it then.
Unfortunately I have no seat so my early psr efforts are withhout the added bonus of my 105 kilos!
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
7 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
Barry, once you've had the money approved give poweroll a ring and see if they've a roller you could borrow until your new one is ready - they might be accommodating knowing that you're guaranteed to be buying one.
Assuming that the weather stays reasonably dry then my squares and outfields will be being cut at least once a week from now on - if nothing else it gets the stripes back in the right places on the outfields.
I might be able to get the roller out towards the end of the week if I'm lucky.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
7 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
My existing one does work Jon but the new one would have been better for psr cos it is lighter unballasted and wider. Anyway, Im just hoping I get the grant.
Forecast dry still but minus at night.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
7 Mar 2010 by jontaylor
What a difference a week of sun and a dose of iron makes!
Outfield cut, square rolled, top hedge cut - it's almost looking like the cricket season's getting close.
Rolling conditions at our ground were perfect today and you could almost hear the grass starting to grow.
The ciderman rolls
7 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Barry
The triple does a good job any time its a greensmower has 11 blades on cylinders it didnt leave a mark.
Bath
The worm casts were only on the outer edges of square I cut 7ft past stump lines, will be having it sprayed thought id wait until they were a bit more active ??
7 Mar 2010 by jontaylor
Paul,
Why wait for damage. If you intend to spray, spray now.
The ciderman rolls
7 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
jon
Thanks, is it as effective while we are still getting keen frosts.
7 Mar 2010 by jontaylor
I did our square and part of outfield several weeks ago - no casts so I guess it's been effective.
The ciderman rolls
7 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
Paul, the chemical should stay active for at least a month. I rarely get any worm casts between applications. One anytime now and another early November.
7 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Thanks guys will get that done this week weather looks good.
8 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
I sprayed for worms about 3 weeks back and haven't seen many additional casts appear so I'd guess it worked fine.
Main square was almost there for rolling this afternoon - if it stays dry I expect to get at least one pass in by the end of the week. 2nd square is spot on at the moment so I'll start rolling it tomorrow once any frosts have cleared.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
8 Mar 2010 by andy dixon
Been on mine with the drag brush all day trying to get rid of the casts as my sisis wouldn`t start!! Planning first cut tomorrow. Seems to be a late start this year so will have to get my finger out now!
8 Mar 2010 by mario Last edited 8 Mar 2010
Managed to get my square checked today for 'square' and marked out.
Been cloudy here all day but sun should be out after lunchtime tomorrow.
So plan is - to give it a cut at 19mm with the 42" Allett, which will also light roll it, and feed it with some beer, iron and a half dose of 5-4-20.
EDIT: Who spotted the error then?
Little point in attacking the square with a big cylinder mower unless it has been brushed first to remove any debris lying in the sward.
I know no boundaries.
8 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Had outfield sprayed today with ferrous sulphate to try and knock back the moss and green it up a bit. square looking a bit sorry with quite lot of red thread so I was going to put some feed on it tomorrow, only got a bag of spring /summer but I think it needs something. Not got my square mower back yet anyway.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
9 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Barry
Cut my square with the Palladin today after the boll****g for using the triple last week, just got the mower back to the shed before the clutch cable broke, also rolled it in 2 directions was quite suprised it was as firm especially on the ends.
9 Mar 2010 by Philmort
Just goes to show how the clay loams we use will dry particularly in the stiff easterly we've been getting, even if the temps are still struggling. Got a cylinder mower on our club's valley bottom square today for the first time. Ready for the roller next week at this rate.
Will be using one on the 'different planet' square at work tomorrow - it's already had a once over (twice) with the Hayter Senator, a light roller equivalent for those who haven't seen/used one!
Proud to serve grassroots cricket
9 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Paul
Better men than me on here say doing the square with a triple is ok so what do I know mate! Yours is a greens triple though, mine only has 7 blades I think. Anyway, whatever.
Yeah, I noticed today and couple of bare patches Ive got on some ends have really hardened up, well on the top couple of inches or so anyway.
Ive got to manually sweep some hardened worm casts off, I need a spray applicator of some sort to get some worm spray on it next year.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
9 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Do you have all the ground sprayed for worms Barry
9 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
No Paul, Ive had nothing sprayed for worms. Ive had the outfield sprayed with ferrous sulphate to knock back the moss and give it a bit of a boost.
What I was saying that I havent got a spray applicator and I could do with one for the square
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
10 Mar 2010 by chrismitchell
Out with the SISIS aer-aid yesterday on the greens followed by a hand cut. Hand mowed tees too. Ah spring is almost hear apart from the fact that the soil temperature at 50 mm was only 2.7 degrees at midday yesterday!
Chris
You will never see a statue in honour of a committee.
10 Mar 2010 by paul kelsey
Barry
Some Sprayers in PC shop
loads of backpack ones on flea bay
10 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
I know Paul but cant keep going asking for more stuff presently.Going to need more seed, fert etc so have to as ever be mindful of the pennies. Try and get one for next off season. Mind you, arent you meant to have a certificate for using such equipment?
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
10 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
barry, whether you need certifying depends on exactly what you're spraying.
Yes, you need to be certified in order to spray carbendazim for worm control.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
10 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
And those courses cost and arm and a leg
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
10 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
no, I think my course (PA1 & PA6) cost £200 max (or something like that).
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
10 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Well thats too much for me Im afraid
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
10 Mar 2010 by jontaylor
JL,
From this very site
Price Guide - Individuals
Prices are subject to regional variations and differing registration charges, but the following examples can be taken as a general guide to fees for individuals:
Pesticides PA1 (Foundation module) / PA6 (Knapsack/hand held), around £350-£450. Usually a 2-day course with assessment 7-10 days after training. Pesticides PA2 (Tractor-mounted), around £200-£250.
Now, that looks like about £400 to me. How does that fee encourage volunteers such as myself who work in grass roots cricket to get trained? I will be researching possible funding in the coming months, but quite frankly I see the course fee as a major impediment and a reason to grasp on to my "grandfather rights" for as long as possible.
Now, if Pitchcare wants to support grass roots groundsmanship and further the No More Agro scheme, then I will happily pledge two or three days of my annual leave in return for full sponsorship for PA1 and 6 training and exam, on the deal that I pay if I fail.
The ciderman rolls
11 Mar 2010 by Steve63
Just sent 5 guys on the Pa1 Pa6 two day course at the local (very good) college, a little less than jon indicated, but costly never the less.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
11 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
I thought it was about £400. Way too much for me or a club.How difficult is it anyway? what did groundsman do before courses where available and Mr.Health and Safety took over the planet?
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
11 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
Should'nt cost any more than approx £70 to £75 to have your square sprayed anyway. Save the hassle, get a contractor in.
11 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Same old story though Bath re wanting it done when the time is right rather than when the contractor is turning up.
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
11 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
barry - it's not just a health and safety thing. If you get spraying wrong and affect a water coarse then you're in deep doggy doo doo - kiss your bank balance, house, family and life as you know it bye bye.
In some respects bath is right - it's less hassle to get a contractor in. But it's convenient to have the ability to spray yourself.
There's a little more to it than just doing the course - you need equipment, ppe, storage arrangements. So it's not just an outlay for the course - there is an ongoing cost (albeit quite small imho).
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
11 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Excuse my ignorance Jon, how could I affect a water course?
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
11 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
run off, drift, there are many possible ways. even excessive leeching into ground water could be classed as a problem if in sufficient concentrations (something which shouldn't ever really happen).
Equally, drift onto a neighbours' garden could cause you alsorts of problems - especially if it were determined you were spraying something illegally.
I don't know what is around your ground, I've got rhines around mine so in theory have to be a little careful - not really a problem as I rarely if ever spray close enough to the water to cause any problems. I do have to include the fact that the rhines are there in my risk assessments though.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
11 Mar 2010 by Andy Matthews
Barry I don't know how often you have to spray for worms on your square but minimum, it will be twice a year, if you look at the spraying for weeds and diseases, then if you used a contractor then you could conceivabley get the money back for the course in a couple of seasons, this may be the way to approach the club, there is also the risk that if you had sprayed and one of the juniors or players was made ill by what you had done then once again the consequences for you and the club could be dire, I have done the course and have to say the cost does seem high for what it is.
11 Mar 2010 by Grassman2011
Worm treatment does not have to be done by the hour Barry, today, yesterday, tomorrow or next week will usually suffice.
11 Mar 2010 by Mal Last edited 11 Mar 2010
If the cost of the course is too much and not forgeting that there is the added cost of proper waste disposal for your empties and the regular need to keep your kit in good condition, Not just your sprayer but costs involved with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) purchases and maintenance then the best way would be to stick with the arrangement of a contractor. When you add this all up and you only require a couple of applications a year over a small area then it makes economic sense to stay with a contractor. I think it is strange that when it comes to getting a mower serviced or upgraded then we will often bite the bullet but when it comes to servicing the operator (training) then we have a moan) One is just as important as the other. it is looking after your resources.
Geography is everywhere
11 Mar 2010 by Steve63
I would have thought that controling worms about now(ish) i.e. March/Apiril would suffice.
Any worm activity along with frost action should be welcome from sept onwards.
Weeds can be controlled by hand, just walk your square every few weeks and yoink the biggest out.
Disease is rarely worth bothering over with a ryegrass sward.
Daddy long legs should blow over your square and lay eggs in the softer longer grass in your outfield.
Seaweed and liquid feeds, I dont think, are pesticides and therefore require no certificate to spray.
Therefore in my humble opinion - get a contractor in and save ourself the hassle.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
12 Mar 2010 by barry glynn
Spent a couple of hours yesterday raking off dry casts off ends and two outer wickets before watering fert in. Of course it has rained today! but it wouldnt have done if I had not watered!
I have no houses near the ground but the ground is on the banks of the Thames, literally, just 15 metres from one boundarys edge.
Looks like its too much hassle and too expensive to get involved with spraying. I do wonder though how much of all the H&S is really necessary but then thats modern life for you isnt it?
What do I do? I just cut the grass.
12 Mar 2010 by Steve63
The H&S comes in because of a very small minority who act irresponsibly, therefore causing paperwork for the rest of us when things go bad.
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
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