Nothing Ventured

Saturday I helped a friend construct a couple of extra pitches on the side of a cricket square at a local school.

It was all cut down when I arrived

We scarified to a depth of 12mm (1/2") in lots of directions with the Sisis RR600

Collecting the arising's with the Rotorake we got a good clean surface.

The area was flat, had no thatch, but had a reasonable strength soil when we started.

Close up of surface with a good key and grooves ready for the two tonne of new loam.

After seed and fertiliser application Eddie brushed to get the seed down in the grooves so it would be in contact with loam, this is important as we need fast germination, taking on such a job this late in the season.

Two tonne of Boughton County loam was then roughly put down.

We then leveled as best we could with rakes and lutes.

It would have been good if we had a six foot lute or even a aluminium ladder the best we could do was a four foot pallet.

We pulled it out lengthways and across, its hard work.

When we were happy that the surface was flat with no hollows or bumps we finished off with the B.N.W.

six foot drag brush.

Worms eye view.

To finish off it was covered with germination sheets and roped off.

Now I can hear you all saying that this is not to the ECB specification as in the TS4 or what ever number we are on, however it will do the job the school need and was affordable.

To take on such a job this late in the season is a risk, especially as far north as Leeds, however we are not expecting it to be ready for play in April or May and indeed it may need overseeding and a light top dressing in the spring. The school have been made fully aware of the situation and were happy to take the gamble.

Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained!  

Back at my ground with the long shadows of the autumn sun, I love it.