December 2018 Pitch Diaries

Sports covered are bowls, cricket, rugby, football, golf and tennis.

It is likely to be a roller coaster month of peaks in growing potential for both grass plant and fungal pathogen alike, followed by dips of activity, first in the plant and then in the fungal pathogen as temperatures fall.

The forecast for December is for fluctuations. Periods of unseasonably mild weather interspersed with cold snaps. Nothing too prolonged is predicted over the course of the month, particularly with respects to cold spells which are more likely to occur throughout January and February once the storage heater effect of the North Sea's residual summer heat has receded such that it can no longer affect a warming effect upon cold easterly air streams moving across the British Isles.

December's diaries look at the pros and cons of each scenario as well as maintenance, machinery and training advice.

Our diaries are here to offer some guidance on the work required during the coming month. They are not set in stone, and local conditions will determine the work schedule.

Don't forget, you can also use our Pitchcare Forum, where members can ask for and offer advice on the whole range of sports turf surfaces issues.

Click here for the diaries.