By covering perennial plants in the garden from frost, summer residents unwittingly create comfortable conditions for rodents to overwinter.
In addition, it is important to remember that grapes are relatively hardy and can withstand temperatures down to 5-8 degrees below zero.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told when and how to cover grapes for the winter.
Wintering of grapes
Grapes can withstand frosts down to -8 degrees Celsius, but severe winters, with temperatures dropping to 20 degrees below zero and below, can destroy the vine.
When to cover
Depending on the climate and weather, cover the plantings at the end of November or the beginning of December.
There is no need to delay if the air temperature remains around -5 degrees for several days.
You can find recommendations that keeping the vines in light frost is even beneficial.
This hardens the plant. And when the shoots become light brown, they are covered.
How to cover
1. First you need to prune the grapes.
2. Then the bushes are treated against pests and diseases.
3. Choose a heater that will provide the plant with normal ventilation. If condensation accumulates under it, mold and fungus will appear.
How to protect from rodents
The only way to protect the plant from mice and other pests is to place poisonous baits in the shelter or nearby.
It has been noted that rodents most often appear in shelters made of straw.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
