Specialist outfield overseeding and sand topdressing at one of England's established first-class cricket venues.
| Overseeding | Two directions |
| Grass seed | Johnsons J Premier Wicket + Growmax |
| Seed quantity | 400 kg (20 × 20 kg bags) |
| Seed application rate | 28.17 g/m² (281.69 kg/ha) |
| Seed drill | Vredo Double Row Disc Drill |
| Sand topdressing | 60 tonnes RH45 Sports Sand |
| Topdressing rate | 42.25 t/ha (4.23 kg/m²) |
| Topdresser | Redexim Rink |
| Tractor | John Deere 6R 150 |
| Loading equipment | JCB Telehandler |
Overseeding and sand topdressing underway on the outfield at The County Ground, Hove.
Maintaining a first-class cricket outfield requires careful planning, specialist equipment and a thorough understanding of natural turf performance.
Home to Sussex County Cricket Club, The County Ground in Hove hosts professional domestic cricket, where consistent playing conditions, reliable ball roll, turf density and high standards of presentation are essential.
Working alongside Head Groundsman Ben Gibson and his experienced grounds team, Apex Sports Pitches completed a specialist renovation programme across 1.42 hectares of cricket outfield on 22 September 2026.
The works involved precision overseeding using the club's selected Johnsons J Premier Wicket grass seed, followed by the application of 60 tonnes of RH45 Sports Sand. Utilising our Vredo Double Row Disc Drill, Redexim Rink topdresser and John Deere 6R 150 tractor, the renovation was undertaken with an emphasis on accurate application, consistent coverage and efficient operational delivery.
The project demonstrates how specialist contracting expertise, modern machinery and close collaboration with an established grounds team can contribute to the ongoing management of a professional sports turf surface.
Renovating a professional cricket outfield requires a carefully coordinated approach, particularly when working around the demanding fixture schedule of a first-class county ground.
The objective at Hove was to deliver effective overseeding and sand topdressing across the 14,200 m² working area, providing consistent coverage while minimising unnecessary trafficking and disturbance to the existing sward.
Maintaining control over seed placement and topdressing distribution was essential, ensuring the renovation operations complemented the club's ongoing turf management programme. With the work taking place during the September renovation period, efficient completion was particularly important to support subsequent grass establishment and recovery.
Working closely with Head Groundsman Ben Gibson, Apex undertook the specialist operations with an emphasis on precision, practical decision-making and careful management of the playing surface.
Apex carried out the overseeding operation using our Vredo Double Row Disc Drill, operated behind our John Deere 6R 150 tractor. The Vredo's double-row disc system enables seed to be accurately placed into the existing turf surface, promoting good seed-to-soil contact while limiting unnecessary disruption to the established sward.
The club selected and supplied Johnsons J Premier Wicket, a high-performance perennial ryegrass mixture formulated for professional cricket surfaces. The original renovation programme allowed for three overseeding passes in different directions, using a total of 30 × 20 kg bags of seed.
Following completion of the first two passes, Head Groundsman Ben Gibson assessed the seed coverage and was satisfied that sufficient seed had been drilled across the outfield. With the required coverage already achieved, the decision was made to conclude overseeding after two directions, avoiding an unnecessary third pass and additional disturbance to the playing surface.
In total, 400 kg of Johnsons J Premier Wicket was drilled across 1.42 hectares, achieving an average application rate of 28.17 g/m² (281.69 kg/ha).
This approach highlights the importance of evaluating operations as work progresses and maintaining close communication between specialist contractors and the grounds professionals responsible for the playing surface. Rather than carrying out additional drilling simply to complete the original programme, the operation was concluded once the required seed coverage had been achieved.
Following the overseeding operation, Apex undertook the application of 60 tonnes of RH45 Sports Sand across the 1.42-hectare outfield — an average application rate of 42.25 tonnes per hectare, equivalent to 4.23 kg/m².
The operation was carried out using our Redexim Rink topdresser, operated behind the John Deere 6R 150 tractor, with our JCB telehandler used to load the sand into the spreader throughout the works. Sand topdressing is an important component of sports turf renovation, helping to address minor surface irregularities and contributing to the long-term management of the upper soil profile when used as part of a suitable maintenance programme.
Using the Redexim Rink, Apex focused on achieving accurate and consistent material distribution across the full working area. Careful coordination between the tractor operator and telehandler ensured the spreading operation could progress efficiently, with attention given to maintaining consistent coverage and reducing unnecessary machinery movements.
Modern machinery and precision guidance are central to Apex Sports Pitches' approach to delivering efficient sports turf renovation works. At Hove, the John Deere 6R 150 provided the primary power unit for both the Vredo overseeding drill and Redexim Rink topdresser.
Equipped with GPS guidance and AutoTrac technology, the tractor supports accurate working lines and repeatable passes, helping to minimise unnecessary overlap during suitable renovation operations. Precision guidance also allows operators to devote greater attention to implement performance, surface conditions and the consistency of the work being undertaken.
The tractor's wide-section radial tyres help distribute machine weight and reduce ground pressure when operating on sensitive natural turf surfaces. By combining purpose-built sports turf implements with experienced operators and modern tractor technology, Apex maintains a strong focus on accuracy, productivity and the quality of the finished operation.
"Precision wasn't just about the machinery — it was knowing exactly when to stop."
Successful sports turf renovation relies on effective communication and close cooperation between specialist contractors and the grounds professionals responsible for the ongoing management of the surface.
At Sussex County Cricket Club, Apex worked directly with Head Groundsman Ben Gibson and his team to coordinate the renovation works around the needs of the ground. Ben's knowledge of the outfield, its existing condition and its playing requirements was particularly valuable in determining the appropriate level of overseeding.
After two directions had been completed, the seed coverage was reviewed and Ben confirmed that no further drilling was necessary. The decision demonstrated the value of a flexible, practical approach to renovation, ensuring work was carried out according to the requirements of the playing surface rather than simply following a predetermined number of passes.
With the club supplying its chosen seed mixture and Apex providing the specialist machinery and operational expertise, the project represented a collaborative approach between the grounds team and specialist contractor.
Completed on 22 September 2026, the outfield renovation programme included precision overseeding and sand topdressing across 14,200 m² at Sussex County Cricket Club. Working in close cooperation with Ben Gibson and the club's grounds team, the works were delivered with a focus on application accuracy, efficient working practices and minimal unnecessary disturbance to the existing surface — providing the foundation for subsequent turf establishment and continued outfield management.
From grassroots clubs and educational facilities to county grounds and professional sporting venues, Apex Sports Pitches provides specialist renovation and maintenance services for natural turf cricket surfaces. Our services include precision overseeding, sand topdressing, aeration, drainage installation, sports turf renovation and ongoing maintenance.
We understand that every ground presents its own challenges, whether relating to soil conditions, turf density, drainage, usage demands or available renovation windows. Our approach is built on working closely with grounds professionals, providing the machinery, experienced operators and practical expertise required to deliver accurate, efficient and dependable renovation programmes.
Whether supporting a Head Groundsman at a first-class cricket venue or undertaking seasonal renovations at a local club, Apex applies the same commitment to quality workmanship and attention to detail.
Apex Sports Pitches has the machinery, knowledge and experience to support your next project. Contact us to discuss your sports turf renovation requirements.
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