Grow-in

The primary purpose of cultivation is to create optimum seed-bed conditions. That is, to enable seed to be evenly distributed, allow all seeds to come into contact with soil and its moisture, and to make the soil friable enough to allow tender embryo roots to penetrate the soil. Environmental issues at the cultivation stage are typically not significant; although there may be some danger of wind erosion and dust nuisance where cultivation operations are carried out in very dry conditions.

Certification or seed testing is extremely important to sustainability, and strongly recommended. The use of pre-seeding fertilizer, pre-emergent herbicide and selective herbicides is normal in establishing turfgrass swards. At the time of the seeding operation, calm, dry, but not too hot conditions are required.

Whilst seeding is always the preferred method of grass establishment, there are times when turf has to be used. Under these circumstances, the turf should be custom grown on a matching root zone or, alternatively, washed turf should be used. Pins or pegs can be used to hold turf in position on steep banks, such as for bunker construction.