Our mission

Narrative by

Mark Brown

One can't help but notice that many greens are suffering from a number of problems.  One of the biggest issues clubs face is the fact that typically, greens helpers are recruited from the membership, most of whom have little or no experience of green keeping.

Bits of Knowledge are gleaned along the way but very frequently bad habits are picked up too.  It struck me and a few others I have talked to, that a forum to share information, ask questions, beg steal and borrow, might be useful.

Most local greens are similarly constructed and obviously largely share the same weather conditions.  It therefore follows on that problems and remedies should be similar.

As a start, I have put on here all the treatments we have carried out at Frinton over the last year.  This clearly excludes mowing and power brushing, swishing and hand brushing.

You may notice that there is no mention of top dressing, we haven't for 5 years and I have not seen a green in this area that needs to.  I am happy to discuss this issue with anyone who is interested.

This program is working very well for us and is also bio friendly.  Hopefully everyone will start contributing to this forum to the benefit of all our local greens.

It seems clear that many greens are not as good as they might be. Most of us rely on volunteers who have no reason to have the correct knowledge for greens management and in many cases just carry on with whatever their predecessors did.

I have spent several years researching the art of keeping sports turf correctly, which has involved challenging previous practices and getting to the ‘heart’ of our green’s soil structure. Of course the science will evolve but the basics remain the same.

My goal here is to lay out our particular annual programme in order that others can at least get an idea how we do it. That is not to say everyone should follow, every green is slightly different but if it prompts others to ask ‘why’ or ‘how’ we are starting to achieve a dialogue between all of us that will hopefully help everyone to turn out a better green.

Programme and Product Information

Before laying out our programme, I will give a brief explanation of the products that we use.’

You may notice that the products detailed below are essentially ‘natural’.  This is not some ‘fad’, these are supplements scientifically proven. Reliance on high salt index fertilisers and frequent fungicide application tied in with regular top dressing are all at the root of problems suffered by many greens today. It is, in fact, good cultural practices that ensure the health of the green not application of ‘miracle’ products so often  recommended by the suppliers of them.

The products we use are designed to work with the soil and encourage the fungi and microbes vital to soil health. Once soil health is fully restored, the organisms within start to turn thatch to humus which naturally fertilises the soil. Provided good cultural practices are maintained, one’s green keeping programme becomes significantly cheaper.

PRODUCT LIST

Formula Green- plant extracts and low salt index additives

Chelated trace elements ( chelated essentially means they are easily available to the plant), Molasses, Seaweed, Humic and Fulvic acids and Amino acids.

Bio Tabs- a soluble tablet that contains 4 types of beneficial fungi and 5 types of beneficial bacteria. It replaces microbes destroyed by chemicals,drought, compaction and dry patch. Assists repair of disease scars and dry patch. Increases root mass. Makes nutrients more soluble and available to the plant. Helps to convert thatch to humus.

Compost Tea- Re populates soil with microbes that naturally occur in healthy soil.

Revolution- a high tech wetting agent that not only assists water penetration but also water retention. We have just started trialling Supa Yucca as a natural and cheaper replacement. Yet to see how effective it is.

Humigranule-adds humus to soil with many benefits including, stabilising ph, improved nutrient uptake, increased stress tolerance, improved seed germination and increased root growth.

Bioactive RZ- combination of beneficial fungi, micro nutrients, trace minerals and humic and fulvic acids. Similar benefits to Humigranule 
ProloNG- extended release, low salt index nitrogen fertiliser- ideal as an over winter feed and to kick start spring growth.

Liquid NK - bio stimulant and fertiliser with seaweed, humates, urea based nitrogen and salt free potassium.

NOTE:  Probably the single most important thing any club should do is to have a proper soil test done. You cannot do a job ignorant of your specific soil conditions.  If you get it done through John Quinn at Bowls Central, he will interpret the results and write a programme for you.  Although John does his job for profit, he is passionate about green keeping and has around 40 years experience. I have learned a lot from him and speaking as I find, our green is in very good general health, no small thanks to him

(and no I’m not on commission!!)

Below is our last years schedule of works. Please feel free to discuss any matters on this Green help portal and e-mail me if I can help.

Mark Brown - Head Greenkeeper, Frinton Bowls Club

E-mail: greenkeeper@4x4it.co.uk