Because so many grape growers ask this question, I though it would be a good idea to write this article as part of the “New To Growing Grapes” series of posts on my blog. The reason why so many new grape growers replant their grape vines, is poor planning, incorrect soil preparation and choosing the incorrect site or spot to plant their grape vines.
Choosing the correct site location for your vineyard, is one of the most important choices you as a new grape grower have to make as this will be the future home for your grape vines in years to come. I will not go into site location and soil preparation for your grape vines in this article, but you can get all the information for free by joining the Grape Coaching Program. The silver membership is a 10 day trial-run of what you can expect from the Grape Coaching Program.
Unfortunately, some new grape growers are not recommended to start planting their grape vines from cuttings. These people should purchase their vines from a reputable source. These vineyard companies will also be happy to provide you with all the information you need to support the root system of your grape vines. If you are budget conscious, you may want to purchase a grape vine from a local nursery. These nurseries will also be happy to provide you with all the necessary answers to your questions about pruning, canopy management and pest control. So don’t forget to ask questions when you are doing your research.
Losing the grape vine buds to a frost is the most common reason for plant owners to purchase a second pair of vines. The normal reason for reducing the quantity of grapes available to you is because the buds of the grape vine have dropped because the growing season has finished.
F Frost actually affects the spots where you have selected to plant your grape vines. In Australia, we have experienced frosts as late as May 27th 2010. I experienced this myself as a nine year old kid. You just cannot bring those thoughts back. Grape growing is not an child’s play. Learn how to protect your grape vines and have the best grape vines you possibly can.
Don’t start planting your vines before the threat of frost has passed, as many growers have learned the hard way.
More advanced growers obtain a trellis system for their grape vines. This allows better airflow within the vineyard. Lessens the risk of lower quality airing within the vineyard.
If you are offered open ground with access to the sun, make sure you have selected a suitable spot. Never plant your vines in exposed or otherwise low lying areas.
One of the most common mistakes made by novice grape growers is to purchase “mint gums” or “apple gums”. Working with mint adds cinnamon to the mix, and hence causes the vine to stumble. Using a commercial grade trellis will provide better support and more reliable drainage.
Once you have planted your vine trellis, it is time to think about pest control. Your main goal for avoiding insect damage is to prevent as few insects as possible entering your vineyard.
The choice of insect pests is a very important factor in successful grape growing. You can find a large variety of them inside your vineyard, just by performing a basic web search.
There are grape vine weevils, tussock moth vines, rose chafers, wild grapes, Japanese beetles, white-toothed galls, and many more.
Some are clearly visible to the eye, while others are not. You will need to keep an eye out for the ones that are not visible to the human eye, as well as keep watch for the ones that are.
Keep a watchful eye on your vines to determine the beginning of the end of grape disease. Look for discoloration of leaves, holes in the leaves, and any other clues to determine if a problem is in progress.
The first step to avoiding major grape diseases is to learn the proper techniques needed to keep your vines healthy. By doing so, you will prevent many of the problems that befall your vines.
If you happen to have a disease pressed on your vine, always contact your local Agricultural Extension Agent for information on the proper treatment and alternative solutions to your problem.
