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When to Cover Grapes for Winter: It's Important Not to Rush
05.12.2024 21:11
Since grapes are heat-loving crops, they need to be covered for the winter.
This procedure is especially important for vineyards located in regions with cold winters, where temperatures during the cold season can drop below -15 degrees.
Without proper protection, most varieties will not survive the winter successfully.
When to cover grapes
You can start covering the grapes after the leaves have fallen. If you rush and throw the cover on the grape vines ahead of time, the remaining leaves will start to rot. Over time, the rotting will spread to the rest of the bush.
Another important condition is a decrease in the average daily temperature to -5 degrees. Small frosts have a beneficial effect on the vine, helping it to harden.
Another reference point is the soil. It should be frozen so much that it becomes unsuitable for digging with a shovel.
Estimated timeframes
In northern regions, it is recommended to cover grapes in mid-October, in mid-latitudes - in early November, and in southern regions - in early December.
Premature covering can cause a greenhouse effect and lead to damping off and rotting of the vine, while delaying covering increases the risk of freezing of roots and shoots.
