14 Mar 2004 by nige
seeding footbll pitch
I have been given the task of looking after the football pitch and have been told its a good time to start seeding the areas that have lost their grass. As the season is still in progress is it a good idea to seed and will it still grow sucessfully.
Would appreciate any advice on this.
Thanks.
14 Mar 2004 by Anthony Asquith
seeding
nigel i have just overseeded my tennis courts just before the recent cold snap as temperatures will now start to increase as we get into mid march.the benefits of sowing early is that when temperatures do increase your seed is already down and will just start to chit giving you a headstart.it also depends on usage of your pitch grasses at the 1/2 leaf stage will not stand up to the punishing schedule that is implemented on the surface as the grasses needs time to establish.i have just sorral rolled prior to seeding to gain maximum effect and with some decent temperatures will help.
seeding
While I dont disagree that to sow seed now will give the seed a head start but to sow it now on a football pitch which is still being used in my opinon would be wrong as it would not get a good enough root hold before being kicked about when a game is being played resulting in a patchy germination[ I have tried it and believe me its not worth it,] its much better to get down to seeding when the final game has been played. Seed is a very expensive out lay and it must be given the right condition if you are to have a good pitch the following season.
seeding
A lot depends on your fixture list nigel. I have been very lucky with games recently with some good gaps between matches so we have carried out some seeding. Ive had a game today and the first job i will do in the morning is to apply some seed down the middle of the pitch with a spreader. The stud holes create great holes close to the surface for the seed to settle and germinate in. We also put some seed down each time we aerate the pitch in the hope the seed will germinate in some of the holes. We have had some success with germination when temperatures allow. If you are lucky enough to have some good gaps between games then i would overseed some of your worst areas and see what results you get.
seeding
I would say that a lot depends on how much money you have to spend.
Greatest overall success will be achieved by a thorough overseeding at the end of the season as part of a more thorough rennovation. However, if you can afford it then it certainly won't do ay harm to over sow regularly through the season as well. To give the seed the best chance of success when sowing during the season you could pre-germinate the seed but if play is imminent then don't expect miracles.
If money is tight, however, personally I would spend the money during the end of season rennovations on decent fertiliser, soil almeliation, top dessing, extra cultural practices etc.
Choosing a decent seed mix will also have implications for the quality of the sward the next season.
17 Mar 2004 by nige
seeding
Just want to say thanks very much for all your help
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