Mowing height should be maintained between 25mm and 35mm.

Aeration with solid or knife tines to 100mm minimum depth is advised. Harrowing and raking will also aerate the surface and help restore levels. Brushing to remove dew and debris will reduce disease development. Brushing helps restore levels and gives a good banded look to the pitch.

Keep off the pitch if it is frozen later in the month.

50-50 liquid iron will harden the turf and reduce Fusarium patch and give a green up. Iron fertilisers are harmful to moss at higher application rates.

Continue to apply VitaSil monthly to harden blades and encourage upright growth for a clean cut, and give physical resistance to disease attack. Continued application of Seaturf +Fe will aid enzyme activity in the turf and boost micro-organism activity in the organic layer helping to reduce debris build up. SwardPhite applied monthly will maintain energy transfer within the turf as temperatures fall and maintain meristem activity in root and tillers.

High K fertiliser can still be applied until mid-October, either as high K 50-50 liquid 5+4+20 plus MiNT liquid trace elements or Endure WG Autumn fertiliser 6+3+18.

Watch out for diseases such as Red Thread and Fusarium, apply a suitable fungicide at first sign of attack.

October Summary:

• Mow height 25mm to 35mm
• Aeration at varied depth
• SwardPhite application to improve root activity and rooting depth
• Application of Seaturf +Fe and 50-50 soluble iron
• Autumn fertiliser application with high K until mid-October
• Brushing to remove dew and debris
• Disease vigilance