Hi Darryl
The turf in question is Tif328 and is a fine dwarf couch hybrid specifically bred for greens on golf courses. I understood that I would be doing a lot of work including mowing almost every day to get the finish that I wanted and that I would have to guard against fungus and other pests including weeds and bugs. The day I laid it my mates went missing in action and I had a lot of refreshments that evening!! Jeez it was hot that day.
The learning curve is very steep and the chemicals etc cost a bomb and are hard to get in reasonable sizes (domestic size). Golf courses spend $200 - $300 for a 1 Litre container on the best fungicide that would last me 10 years and does a single treatment at a course !! My turf only cost $500 so large investments like this are crazy. I will use a pre emergent herbicide to keep the weeds at bay and will need to keep spraying fortnightly while things are hot / wet up here to keep the fungus at bay. Fertilising monthly whilsty it growing with a Greens grade fertilsier.
It was all part of the plan and at the end of the day I can always dig it up and re plant with something less exotic and hardier.
I didnt see the Conquest when I did my research but note that golf clubs are using it for their tees but not greens. 328 is one of the stronger breeds available for green purposes. Also good on rugby fields by the looks of things. I guess it all depends on what you are trying to achieve.
I hope that with the help of all and sundry that I become street qualified greenkeeper of hard knocks. I will persist until the end of next summer and if I cant it looking good I'll replace it..
Thanks for your help. BTW its only 50 sqm, not a lot. The rest is legend, Sweet smother in a shaded section and Sir Walter on the nature strip. Its an exciting challenge!!
Cheers
Rob
