Ok, not quite the ‘garlic bread, it’s the future’ made famous by comedian Peter Kay but most would have probably got what I was getting at.
And no, Crystal Palace haven’t been looking to ward off evil spirits at Selhurst Park this summer. The pungent smell of garlic is of liquid form as the club treat the playing surface.
Head groundsman Bruce Elliot, and his ground staff, have been looking to combat a problem with ‘microscopic parasites’ within the roots of the grass. These pests have infested the ground and would damage the playing surface.
A means to kill of these parasites is liquid garlic, which has been sprayed over the surface to ensure Palace can have a pristine pitch when Frank de Boer, famed for his style of play, takes charge of the first Premier League game at Selhurst against Huddersfield on 12th August.
Not the most pleasant of smells but a necessary measure.
Elliott told the Official Website: ‘Think of your garlic at home and times that by 100. We have a problem with nematodes, which are a microscopic, parasitic worm-like creatures that live within the root zone. When it gets in there it can distort the roots system and creates a weak plant that is susceptible to disease and wear and tear.’
Prior to this opening league game Palace are due to face Schalke on 5th August.
