It is generally agreed that vines need an absolute minimum of feeding and they have done well in quite light soil where the roots can get hold of moisture at the right time. In fact, it is generally agreed that it pays to plant vines fairly close because the root competition helps to ensure sufficient starvation.
The methods must inevitably vary, depending on the climate, the method of culture and training, and to a certain extent on the individual varieties. Thus pruning on the shores of the Mediterranean is bound to differ enormously from that done, say, in Devonshire. As my friend Mr. Edward Hyams points out, however, in his book The Vineyards of England, published by Messrs. Faber and Faber, there are certain general rules which must be borne in mind.
Generally speaking, there is no need, as in the case of other fruits, to add a fish manure or hoof and horn to help rot down the straw. If these organic fertilizers are not provided, the straw that is pulled down into the soil by the worms will be rotted down by the bacteria who will, to do this, withdraw some of the existing nitrogen already in the soil. This, therefore, has the right effect in reducing the exuberance of rampant grapevines.
Meanwhile a strong growth will be developing froth the base of the vine rod that was cut back hard in January. This should be allowed to grow upright and should be tied to the stake or wires. Any side growths that develop will be pruned back to one leaf, and if any flower trusses are seen, these will be pinched up.
The following January the cane that has borne the fruit in the summer will be pruned, back to within an inch of its base, while the other cane that was trained upwards will be curved round to take the place of the one which was cut back. Thus year after year you ensure replacement of strong young wood, plus heavy cropping.
In France, where, large acreage is planted, they cut off all the roots to within a couple of inches of their base and then they plant with a steel-pointed dibber about 9 inches deep. The planter then stamps the soil to make certain that it is really firm. The vines should be planted in late October while the soil is still warm and friable. The vines should be planted when they are one year old. - 16035
The methods must inevitably vary, depending on the climate, the method of culture and training, and to a certain extent on the individual varieties. Thus pruning on the shores of the Mediterranean is bound to differ enormously from that done, say, in Devonshire. As my friend Mr. Edward Hyams points out, however, in his book The Vineyards of England, published by Messrs. Faber and Faber, there are certain general rules which must be borne in mind.
Generally speaking, there is no need, as in the case of other fruits, to add a fish manure or hoof and horn to help rot down the straw. If these organic fertilizers are not provided, the straw that is pulled down into the soil by the worms will be rotted down by the bacteria who will, to do this, withdraw some of the existing nitrogen already in the soil. This, therefore, has the right effect in reducing the exuberance of rampant grapevines.
Meanwhile a strong growth will be developing froth the base of the vine rod that was cut back hard in January. This should be allowed to grow upright and should be tied to the stake or wires. Any side growths that develop will be pruned back to one leaf, and if any flower trusses are seen, these will be pinched up.
The following January the cane that has borne the fruit in the summer will be pruned, back to within an inch of its base, while the other cane that was trained upwards will be curved round to take the place of the one which was cut back. Thus year after year you ensure replacement of strong young wood, plus heavy cropping.
In France, where, large acreage is planted, they cut off all the roots to within a couple of inches of their base and then they plant with a steel-pointed dibber about 9 inches deep. The planter then stamps the soil to make certain that it is really firm. The vines should be planted in late October while the soil is still warm and friable. The vines should be planted when they are one year old. - 16035
About the Author:
Grape is a long lived and deeply rooted deciduous climber in your fruit tree garden.
