What can we say about the recent weather? Essentially, it has suddenly turned cold again with some hard frosts. 

Historically, February can be difficult month to predict the weather. Often, we see winter sports matches being called off, with snow, heavy rainfall and frosty conditions causing the cancellations.

After reading Mark Hunts weather forecast last week, it seems we are still in for some unsettled / inclement weather in the coming days - which again makes it difficult for turf professionals to plan work programmes.

February can be the most challenging month for any grounds professional or volunteer, trying to get their facilities ready for play - or indeed ready for the new season in the case of bowling greens and cricket pitches.

There are a few organisations that offer valuable information on what we should be doing during the month of February. The GMA regularly post monthly diaries on specific sports, along with Brian Sandalls’ popular Turfcare Blog website that gives up to date information on what to do each month. Brian also posts specific blogs about many turf related issues.

In essence, jobs for golf, football and rugby in February centre around keeping playing surfaces playable and free from debris. Aerating when ground conditions allow and mowing when conditions allow. Undertaking the necessary pre and post-match activities and starting to plan your end of season renovations. 

As for bowls and cricket, it is a case of planning and getting your pre-season jobs underway. These will include, aeration, mowing, verti-cutting and feeding. You must also ensure your machinery has been serviced and ready for the start of the season.

Golf course managers will be planning their spring renovations and finishing any current golf course construction or repair projects. They will also be getting their mowers serviced and repaired ready for the new mowing season.  

Spraying

As an editor, I spend a fair amount of time keeping an eye out for news items and what’s occurring in our industry, tending to view a lot of websites and forum boards. Last week I saw a question on whether a grounds operator needed a spraying certificate for a pedestrian push boom sprayer to apply products on a bowling green. 

Reading many of the comments posted on the forum, there appeared to be conflicting answers about what spraying certificate he should have. 

To clarify this point, in the UK, to operate knapsack sprayers and small boom sprayers for applying pesticides, you need to obtain the appropriate PA (Pesticides Application) Certificates of Competence issued by City & Guilds (formerly NPTC).

The relevant certificates are:

PA1 – Foundation Module

• This is the mandatory basic theory module covering legislation, environmental safety, and best practices for handling pesticides.
• It must be completed before taking any other PA certificates.

PA6 – Handheld Applicators (Knapsack Sprayers)

• PA6A – Applying pesticides using a handheld sprayer (e.g., knapsack).
• PA6AW – Applying pesticides near water (if spraying near watercourses).

PA2 – Vehicle-Mounted Boom Sprayers (Including Small Booms)

• If using a boom sprayer (even a small one attached to an ATV or tractor), you need PA2A.
• If working near water, PA2F may be required.

Additional Considerations:

If applying pesticides commercially or as part of a business, these qualifications are legally required under UK pesticide regulations.

Also to clarify a "PA2F" qualification is a pesticide application training course specifically focused on the safe operation of "weed wiper" or "wick type" applicators, which are vehicle-mounted or trailed devices used to apply herbicides to crops by wiping them with a wick instead of direct spraying; essentially, it teaches individuals how to use weed wipers safely and effectively while adhering to pesticide regulations. 

PA2F is typically considered an add-on module to the broader "PA2" qualification, which covers the safe application of pesticides using mounted or trailed boom sprayers. 

There are a number of training providers who deliver these courses that are affiliated to Lantra and City & Guilds NPTC with Pro Green being one of larger companies offering pesticides courses.

It is important you get the appropriate qualifications to undertake these specific operations in controlling pests and applying products to public open spaces.