It's a month now since the seed and soil were put down on the Hibaldstow square. Here's a brief update of what's gone on since then and what actions I've followed as a result.
The first ten days or so after seeding were very dry, although there were many mornings with heavy dew. Grass seed needs moisture to germinate and so that dry period delayed everything.
The first signs of germination were seen about two weeks ago, the seed that had fallen into the grooves cut by the scarifier showing first.
Now, at the end of October, much of the square shows good germination with the young grass about 1" tall.
I won't cut the square until there is a good overall coverage or until the most advanced areas are at risk of getting too long. I prefer to let the plants get a bit of strength before cutting them off.
However, several areas, most notably the old batting ends and the wickets used late in the season are still showing poor germination.
This is nothing to be worried too much about, so long as there is clear sign of seed still in the area. However, to be safe I have just overseeded these areas. The ground conditions were a little too moist to seed and then cover with loam, so the method adopted was to scatter seed and then manually scarifiy in with a hand tool. 
In the picture you can see the tool and just about see the grooves cut at right angles to allow the fresh seed to get a little cover. This approach is not ideal, but with young seedlings present I feel it is better to err on the side of caution than to smother the existing growth. The young plants also act as traps to reduce wash-off of the fresh seed. Come Christmas these areas will hopefully show good coverage. The other big issue on the square at this time of year is worm casts.
Some say that worms are good - and I have no doubt that they are vital in the veg patch, but they are one of the cricket groundsman's worst enemies.
Casting worms create surface unevenness, the casts kill the grass and create ideal sites for weed seeds to grow.
The casts also wreck mower blades. Treating worms is not something that anyone can do. There are a limited number of treatments available and almost all need authorised people to carry out the application. My square was treated today.
Next weekend, conditions allowing, I will drag-mat the whole square to break up those casts that have been formed.
This process also stimulates the young grass plants into branching and so will help thicken up the cover.
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