Croquet Lawn Construction

Serious play

An advantage or disadvantage to the game of croquet is space. Croquet field setup forms a double-diamond pattern, using nine wickets and two stakes. Competition fields measure a minimum of 35 x 28 yards (or a 5:4 ratio). Extended ground allows for moving wickets due to wearing of the ground.

Croquet fields should be level, free of debris, firm, and fast. Improper drainage creates a sponge-like, slow croquet field. No area should be 6 inches higher or lower than the rest of the ground. Six to eight inches of topsoil will maintain a level playing field, but shortcut leveling allows for minimal depths of topsoil in areas - seed requires 4 inches of topsoil for proper growth. Extremely uneven ground will require removal of topsoil, leveling and filling of subsoil, and replacement of topsoil. Movement of extreme amounts of soil requires heavy machinery, which could cause permanent drainage problems.

Drainage and seeding

Lawns with depths of porous sand and/or a proper slant need no artificial drainage. Soils suffering damage from lowland waters can take years to recover. If the desire is to grow extra-fine grass on the croquet field, artificial drain lines, placed once the subsoil is leveled and before the topsoil is replaced, are an option.

When seeding, conditions should not be overly dry or wet, and the ground should be raked in two directions, consolidated, and treated with pre-seeding fertilizer. Choice of seeding or turfing depends on time variables. Turf should be checked for weeds and butted together to allow for a smooth playing surface, often playable in three to four months.

Better croquet surfaces evolve from seeding, though seasonal timing can delay croquet playtime. Seed is spread at 2 ounces per square yard in two separate crosswise applications. Seeds should not be sown on windy days; rake lightly after sowing. Depending on seed, season, and weather, germination results in one to four weeks.