From The Ground Up | Prograss Bio Blog

All you need to know about growing flower bulbs at home this spring

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 12:23:42 GMT

All you need to know about growing flower bulbs at home this spring

Planting bulbs is a fantastic and straightforward way to inject seasonal colour into a garden after a dreary winter. With the right mix of bulbs, you can enjoy blooming flowers for months. These essential tips for how and when to plant all types of bulbs will help you cultivate an impressive garden all year round.

Select quality bulbs: We're fortunate in Ireland that the quality of bulbs and the soil in which they grow is of a very high standard. It's essential to buy bulbs from trusted local suppliers and growers who understand our climate and know what works best for Irish weather.

Pick the right place to plant: Healthy bulbs will only thrive if planted correctly. Most bulbs do best in full sun (at least six hours a day of direct sun) and well-drained soil. Be sure to note the type of flower or plant and research the kind of light they prefer.

Plant at the right time: Understanding the optimum time to plant the bulbs is crucial. If frost is still likely, it's not worth planting bulbs during this time. Keeping an eye on the weather patterns, combined with the location of the bulbs, is very important. Weather forecasters often provide a good sense of the seasons' progress.

Plant correctly: Bulbs need to be planted at specific depths. It's important to know this information when planting in the soil. They also need to be planted the right way up. Research the appropriate depth and position for your particular bulb to ensure good initial growth. They also need healthy soil with plenty of moisture to give them a good start. Some work on the soil may need to be carried out before planting the bulbs. Fertilisers like Prograss Bio can help boost the soil's health in preparation for planting.

Keeping bulbs healthy: Once the bulbs start to grow, the soil must be kept in reasonable condition to produce a strong plant. Water, light and fertilisation can help this process. Keeping weeds at bay is also important so they don't stunt the bulb's growth.

With years of experience, research, and development, the Prograss Bio team are experts in the science behind healthy soil. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy plants easy and convenient. Visit our product page to find out more!

Superbowl 2024: Why do NFL Players prefer playing on Natural grass?

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:10:36 GMT

Superbowl 2024: Why do NFL Players prefer playing on Natural grass?

NFL Football is considered one of the most physical sports, played on either grass or artificial surfaces. But which is best for the players and the game overall? We delve into the facts and evidence to understand how quality turf can make all the difference.

During play, professional football players exert extremely high levels of force and rotation onto the playing field. Grass will eventually give, which inevitably reduces injuries. There is less give on synthetic surfaces, meaning our feet, ankles, and knees absorb the force, making injury more likely.

Based on NFL injury data compiled from 2012 to 2018, not only was the contact injury rate higher during practices and games held on artificial turf, but NFL players consistently experienced a much higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries compared to natural surfaces.

Many sports bodies within the NFL are actively campaigning to play only on grass surfaces. Ultimately, a healthy grass surface means audiences will experience faster, slicker games and players will enjoy longer, less injury-prone careers.

Some playing fields could be quicker to adapt as artificial turf is cheaper and less intensive to maintain. However, a short-term gain could ultimately be a long-term loss if vital players are seriously injured due to the surface and the impact on the body.

According to the NFLPA: 'Climate and weather are not barriers to natural grass practice or game fields. Cold-climate teams like the Packers, Steelers and Browns successfully maintain natural grass fields. Indoor stadiums shouldn't be a barrier for grass fields, either. Agronomically, natural grass field surfaces are possible everywhere .'

With years of experience, research, and development, the Prograss Bio team are experts in the science behind healthy soil. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy grass easy and convenient. Visit our product page to find out more!

From Grass to Green Set, the Changing Surfaces of Tennis Courts Around the World

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:55:48 GMT

From grass to green set, the changing surfaces of tennis courts around the world

Tennis is an immensely popular sport worldwide and has been for many years. However, the best court surface has been a hot topic of debate among courtkeepers and players participating in famous tournaments annually. Interestingly, courts are not standardised for the sport, meaning different tournaments prefer one surface material over another, depending on the location, the time of year, and the climate.

Grass, or lawn courts as they're more commonly known, are found mainly in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. They are deemed a more traditional court and require a lot of specialist upkeep to ensure they meet the playing standard for big tournaments such as Wimbledon.

The type of tennis match varies greatly depending on the court materials. Lawn courts are challenging for players as the lawn gives the balls a fast spring. Players find the grip more difficult depending on the weather and climate. The games are generally fast-paced, requiring players to think quickly and react precisely to win the point.

Over the years, various famous tennis open locations have changed their court materials to adapt to players' and audiences' preferences. One such example is Melbourne Park, where the Australian Open is played annually. Since 2008, all of the courts used during the Australian Open are hard courts with Plexicushion acrylic surfaces. This replaced grass, which had been used at an alternative Australian Open location, and the Rebound Ace surface used from the opening of Melbourne Park.

Grass courts are often used in local clubs because they're less expensive. However, grass courts are less durable, which means they need more maintenance and upkeep. Ensuring the turf is adequately fertilised is vital in maintaining the lawn. With years of experience, research, and development, the Prograss Bio team are experts in the science behind healthy soil. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy grass easy and convenient.

Visit our product page to find out more!

Ho, ho, hoe: The lifecycle of the Christmas Tree

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:38:55 GMT

Ho, ho, hoe: The lifecycle of the Christmas Tree

With a nip in the air, it feels like Christmas is just around the corner. In Ireland, Christmas brings many fun nights out with family and friends, excellent food and drinks, and of course, Christmas trees!

It's estimated that about 400,000 real Irish Christmas trees will be sold in Ireland this year. So, what makes Irish Christmas trees some of the best in the world? Here are some enlightening facts you may want to know.

With so many people purchasing Christmas trees year on year in Ireland, they are worth an estimated €21 million to the Irish economy. Given the industry's impressive contribution to the national economy, the quality of trees must remain high year after year.

To maintain this quality, most Christmas trees are grown in Co. Wicklow or Co. Wexford, where the climate, soil, and temperature are perfect for growing the ideal Christmas tree to celebrate the festive period. Prograss Bio's plant blend is a valuable addition to enhance the ground from which the trees grow.

It’s a constant balancing act between soil health, providing nutrients, responding to the environment, and combating pests and diseases. Tree health is always at the centre of that equation. If the tree is robust and healthy, with a deep root mass, it absorbs and processes nutrients more efficiently and is better placed to combat and defend against diseases. This is what makes for a successful Christmas tree crop year on year.

It takes approximately ten years to grow a Christmas tree in Ireland. A lot of planning and agricultural knowledge is required, and the business of Christmas tree farming is an all-year activity. It benefits the environment by contributing to the sustainability of forest cover and providing habitats for birds and other animals. They can be easily recycled and are ecologically friendly.

With years of experience, research, and development, the Prograss Bio team are experts in the science behind healthy soil. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy trees easy and convenient. Visit our product page to find out more!

Benefits of Natural Turf on Horse Racecourses

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:33:12 GMT

Benefits of Natural Turf on Horse Racecourses

The winter and spring months are a busy time for horse racing globally. We are fortunate in Ireland to boast some of the most successful jockeys and racehorses of all time, and feature some of the world's best racecourses. But what sets our courses apart from others around the world? The quality of turf variety of racecourses available.

Globally, there is a mixture of turf and dirt courses depending on the country and the climate. Both have pros and cons, but the general rule is that the healthier the grass and turf, the better the course is for the horses and the jockeys alike.

With years of experience, research and development, the Prograss Bio team are experts in the science behind healthy turf. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy, durable grass easy and convenient.

Visit our product page to find out more!

Grass under pressure: A closer look at the Rugby World Cup 2023 pitch

gerard@prograssbio.com (ger Prograss) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:45:38 GMT

Grass under pressure: A closer look at the Rugby World Cup 2023 pitch

As the world gears up for the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup final against South Africa and New Zealand, rugby fans are not only focused on supporting their favourite teams, but also where the athletes will showcase their skills. The pitch, usually taken for granted, is an essential part of the game, impacting the quality of play and the safety of its players.

A rugby pitch is more than just a patch of grass; it’s the stage for nations to come together and celebrate one of the world’s most competitive sports. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of a high quality grass playing surface and how this can affect performance at one of the world’s most anticipated sporting finals.

Player Safety

Rugby is fast and high-impact, meaning injuries are very common amongst players. The kind of grass used in the pitch, its maintenance, and the method used to prepare it can significantly reduce the risk of injury from tackles and scrums.

For instance, a pitch with a surface that can absorb shock well will reduce the impact on the players' bodies, lowering the chances of serious injuries. This is particularly important in a high-impact sport like rugby, where players often face collisions and falls during the game. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the grass playing surface is of the highest standard, contributing to a safer environment for the athletes.

In addition, maintenance of the pitch is also important in preventing injuries. Regular mowing, watering, and rolling can help in maintaining the quality of the grass, reducing the risk of players slipping or tripping during the game.

Game Quality

The grass is incredibly important when playing rugby as it can affect the speed of the game, player’s movements and ball bounce which ultimately influences every play of the match. A well-maintained pitch can significantly improve the speed of the game because a smooth surface allows the ball to roll faster and in a more predictable direction. This predictability allows players to better anticipate the path of the ball, leading to more strategic plays and exciting moments for spectators.

Additionally, the type of grass can affect the traction players get, which in turn influences their speed, agility, and overall performance. A high-quality grass surface provides sufficient grip for players to change direction quickly and efficiently, enhancing the dynamism and intensity of the game.

Fairness

An even and well-maintained grass surface is extremely important for a match of this magnitude as it affects the fairness of the game. It is vital that the pitch is evenly distributed and flat to ensure both teams have the same playing conditions and does not give one team an unfair advantage over the other.

Lastly, the bounce of the ball can be greatly affected by the condition of the grass. On a well-maintained pitch, the ball bounces in a consistent and predictable manner, which is essential for accurate passes and kicks. Unpredictable bounces due to uneven or poorly maintained grass can disrupt the flow of the game and lead to unforced errors.

As we look forward to the Rugby World Cup 2023, we can't underestimate the role that the pitch plays in this prestigious event. It's not just a backdrop for the action but a key player in its own right, impacting the safety, quality, and fairness of the game.

From the type of grass used to the meticulous maintenance routines, every aspect of the pitch is crucial. So, as we cheer on our favourite teams, let's also appreciate the pitch - the unsung hero of the Rugby World Cup. May the best team win on a stage that's been set to perfection!

It’s clear that it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain a rugby pitch that can withstand the pressure and wear and tear of the Rugby World Cup. At Prograss Bio want to take the hassle out of this process by providing products that effortlessly promote grass growth and provide long-lasting durability and strength to any grass surface. Visit our Products Page to learn more!

From seed to fairways: The journey in creating the Ryder Cup’s pristine golf course

gerard@prograssbio.com (ger Prograss) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:38:54 GMT

From seed to fairways: The journey in creating the Ryder Cup’s pristine golf course

With the Ryder Cup kicking off today, at Prograss Bio wanted to delve into how a golf course is kept in such pristine condition for an event as important as the world’s biggest golf tournament. In this blog post, we will explore what grass must be used, how the grass must perform and finally how this grass affects the golf game of the world’s best players.

The 2023 Ryder Cup will be held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. This course went through a complete redesign to ensure that the greens were ready for the prestigious event. The challenge with selecting the perfect grass for the occasion is choosing a variety that can withstand the temperatures of Northern Italy as well as being strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing for the competition itself. With these factors in mind, the Ryder Cup organisers chose the following grass varieties for this year’s tournament:

These varieties of grasses have many advantages and because of their clever mixture, many of the pitfalls of these grasses can be avoided. Maintaining three grass varieties however can be very demanding and time consuming. The nutrients of each type must be monitored, water levels must be maintained and the mowing of the grass must be done almost every day to create the pristine and lush appearance required of the Ryder Cup.

At Prograss Bio, we know how much care and attention must go into the upkeep of luxury natural grass surfaces. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing healthy, durable grass lawns easy and convenient. Visit our product page to find out more!

Global production of blueberries has doubled in the last decade - why are these delicious berries so popular and how can we grow our own?

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:07:38 GMT

Global production of blueberries has doubled in the last decade - why are these delicious berries so popular and how can we grow our own?

It is officially blueberry season! These delectable berries have captured the taste buds of millions of people around the world, with the global production of blueberries doubling in the last decade. That equates to over one million metric tonnes of blueberries being grown every year! But lies behind this surge in demand? And how do we cultivate our own batch? In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to these questions and give you our top tips for growing your own blueberry stash.

Why are blueberries so popular?

Superfood

One of the reasons blueberries have grown in popularity is their new status as a ‘superfood’. These tiny berries have been proven to provide 24% of your daily intake of Vitamin C, 36% of your daily intake of vitamin K and 25% of your daily intake of manganese which all help to promote muscle and bone growth. As well as this, blueberries are a powerful antioxidant proven to reduce stress, manage cholesterol and lower blood pressure - sign us up!

Online Trends

Another reason why blueberries have become so popular in recent years is the massive social buzz surrounding them. Blueberry recipes, fashion trends incorporating the fruit’s signature colour, and nutritive facts are becoming viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, in fact, online social conversations surrounding blueberries have risen by 20% this year alone. Some recent trends include, Blueberry Protein pancakes, Blueberry milk nail art, and ‘blueberry girls’ who wear blueberry clothing exclusively. Who knew these little berries could be so popular!

Versatility

Another reason why blueberries are so beloved by millions is because of their versatility. Blueberries can be used in a variety of recipes from cheesecakes to barbeque sauces, they are used to add a unique flavour and sweetness to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Want to grow your own? Here’s how!

Optimise your soil

Despite adding sweetness to the dishes, blueberry plants require very acidic soil to thrive. Before planting your blueberries, check your soil pH so that it is in the range of pH level 4 or 5. More acidity can be added using a sulphur powder or pellets.

Water Well

Blueberry plants require a lot of water to stay hydrated. An easy way to ensure your plant is always watered is using a water drip. This allows the plant to be watered regularly without being waterlogged.

Pruning your plant

Pruning is vital in keeping your blueberry plant healthy. Dead, diseased or damaged stems should be removed to allow your plant to focus its energy on growing its fruit.

Harvesting the fruits of your labour

Growing blueberries requires patience as it often can take at least a year for fruit to appear on the plant. The berries will begin to ripen in mid-to-late summer, changing from a green colour to a dusty blue once ready to be harvested. Blueberries often do not all ripen at the same time, so picking the berries should be done periodically throughout the blueberry season.

It’s clear that blueberries are super popular fruits that take time and patience to grow. Here at Prograss Bio, we know how time consuming and tedious caring for healthy plants can be. This is why we decided to create a range of products to make growing strong and durable grass easy, without the usual hassle required with maintaining high quality grass lawns. Visit our product page to find out more!

Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:01:07 GMT

Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence

With the much-anticipated Wimbledon final this weekend, we're delving into a major feature that sets this tournament apart from the rest – the use of natural grass on the court. This blog will explore the fascinating aspects that make Wimbledon's court so unique.

1. The Only Grass Grand Slam Court in the World

One thing that sets Wimbledon apart from the rest is that it is the only Grand Slam competition played on a natural grass surface. Natural grass improves the durability and strength of the court. Given the UK’s unpredictable weather, this is essential to ensure that great tennis can be played, rain or shine!

2. Player Agility

The grass surface also enhances the athletes’ performance on the court. While other Grand Slam courts use clay and hard surfaces to achieve an average speed and friction of the tennis ball, Wimbledon's grass surface provides less friction and more bounce. This allows the ball to be hit at staggering speeds. Therefore, any athlete wanting to excel at Wimbledon must be agile and fast to keep up!

3. Exactly Eight Millimetres

The grass at Wimbledon is meticulously mowed to ensure pristine conditions for players. One way this court is maintained is by ensuring that the lawn is exactly 8 millimetres in height. Wimbledon officials say that this height is optimal for both tennis and the durability of the grass. To achieve this, the court is mowed every single day leading up to the competition!

4. Labour of Love

Undeniably, the care that goes into the maintenance of this world-famous grass surface is unparalleled. In fact, the work that goes into this grass begins over 15 months in advance of each Wimbledon Championship. During this time, the court is constructed, the grass is sown, and a strict watering regime is put into place. Without a doubt, it's a labour of love!

5. Nine Tonnes of Grass

To achieve this pristine carpet of lush green grass, nine tonnes of grass seed must be planted. The particular grass used for the Wimbledon courts is perennial ryegrass, which gives the courts their iconic green colour while also providing protection against the wear and tear that occurs during tennis matches.

It’s clear from these five facts about the world’s most famous tennis championship that a lot of care and thought must go into maintaining a pristine grass court. Whether you are simply curious about Wimbledon’s grass or you are hoping to grow your own luscious court, these facts undoubtedly highlight the time and consideration that go into it! We at Prograss Bio want to take the hassle out of this process by providing products that effortlessly promote grass growth and provide long-lasting durability and strength to any grass surface. Visit our Product Page to learn more!

Top Ten Tips for the Best Harvest of Strawberries this Summer

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:20:36 GMT

Top Ten Tips for The Best Harvest of Strawberries This Summer

As strawberry season is in full swing, we decided to round up our top ten tips to ensure a bountiful harvest of strawberries this summer. From picking the right type of strawberry to plant, to keeping an eye out for garden pests, there are lots of things to consider when growing these little berries.

1. Choose the right variety of strawberries

To lengthen your harvest season, you should consider planting multiple varieties of strawberries to ensure you have a consistent batch throughout strawberry season.

There are four key types of strawberries to choose from:

June Bearing - This variety produces one large crop during the season.

Day Neutral - This variety produces a small crop throughout the season.

Everbearing - This variety produces two to three crops throughout the season.

Alpine - Also known as Wild Strawberries, this variety produces small berries and a small crop once in the season.

2. Prepare the soil

Start as you mean to go on! Begin by weeding the soil where you hope to plant your strawberries. Once the weeds are gone, spread a layer of compost on the top. Strawberries are shallow-rooted plants and this top layer of nutrients is important to allow them to grow.

3. Remember why they are called strawberries

Strawberries got their name from the process of laying down a layer of straw in a process called ‘mulching’. This process inhibits the growth of weeds and conserves water for the plant. If you don’t have straw, leaves or grass, clippings are a great alternative!

4. Give them space

Much like us, strawberries love personal space, so avoid overcrowding your soil with too many plants. Strawberry plants should have at least 40 cm of place between each plant and 30 cm of depth within the soil in order to grow properly.

5. Give them sunshine

For the tastiest strawberries this season, make sure they are planted in a spot with loads of sunshine. We recommend a spot in your garden that gets early morning or late evening sunshine, so the strawberries can avoid overheating in the midday sun.

6. Water wisely

Try not to water log your strawberry plant. Ideally, strawberries should get an inch worth of water each week. Overwatered strawberries are easily susceptible to root rot, so be mindful of your watering habits!

7. Keep an eye out for pests

Lots of pests love the taste of strawberries. The main culprits of pests during strawberry season are slugs, snails and birds. Mulching your soil will discourage slugs and snails from munching on your plants as they hate crawling through mulch. Birds can be stopped from stealing the fruit of your labour by installing bird netting and row covers.

8. Remove runners

Strawberries are spread by underground roots called runners, however, this uses a lot of the plant’s energy. By removing these runners, the plant’s energy can be redirected to producing more fruit.

9. Fertilise soil

When the flowers on your strawberry plant begin to bloom, you should consider fertilising your soil with organic, safe-for-food fertiliser. This will provide nutrient-rich minerals to the strawberry plant which is necessary for the healthy growth of its berries.

10. Be patient

The hardest part of strawberry season is waiting for your strawberries to grow. From seed to fruit, it takes approximately 60 to 90 days for your strawberry plant to develop but it is important to be patient during this process to maximise your strawberry yield!

Whether it is your first time growing strawberries or you're a seasonal expert, these top tips will no doubt help you on your quest to maximise your strawberry harvest this season. Maintaining the deliciousness and resilience of these strawberries requires top-notch care. We at Prograss Bio know all about enhancing the strength and health of plants because of our work with biofertilizers. Visit our Product Page to learn more about our work!

From The Ground Up | Prograss Bio Blog

All you need to know about growing flower bulbs at home this spring

All you need to know about growing flower bulbs at home this spring

Superbowl 2024: Why do NFL Players prefer playing on Natural grass?

Superbowl 2024: Why do NFL Players prefer playing on Natural grass?

From Grass to Green Set, the Changing Surfaces of Tennis Courts Around the World

From grass to green set, the changing surfaces of tennis courts around the world

Ho, ho, hoe: The lifecycle of the Christmas Tree

Ho, ho, hoe: The lifecycle of the Christmas Tree

Benefits of Natural Turf on Horse Racecourses

Benefits of Natural Turf on Horse Racecourses

Grass under pressure: A closer look at the Rugby World Cup 2023 pitch

Grass under pressure: A closer look at the Rugby World Cup 2023 pitch

From seed to fairways: The journey in creating the Ryder Cup’s pristine golf course

From seed to fairways: The journey in creating the Ryder Cup’s pristine golf course

Global production of blueberries has doubled in the last decade - why are these delicious berries so popular and how can we grow our own?

Global production of blueberries has doubled in the last decade - why are these delicious berries so popular and how can we grow our own?

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Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence

Game, Set, Grass! How Wimbledon’s Grass Pitch Sets the Stage for Tennis Excellence

Top Ten Tips for the Best Harvest of Strawberries this Summer

Top Ten Tips for The Best Harvest of Strawberries This Summer