Autumn is considered one of the best times to plant grapes, as the plant has time to take root and prepare for winter. But how to plant grapes in autumn and how to care for them.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist agronomist, landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.
Selection of seedlings
To plant grapes, you need to choose healthy and high-quality seedlings that are suitable for your climate and soil.
You can buy seedlings in specialized nurseries or from trusted sellers. Pay attention to the following characteristics of seedlings:
• The length of the roots should be at least 20 cm, and the diameter of the stem should be at least 5 mm.
• The roots must be moist, without damage or rot.
• The stem should be straight, without breaks or cracks.
• Leaves should be free of spots and signs of disease, and green in color.
Preparing planting holes
To plant grapes, you need to prepare planting holes, which should be located at a distance of 1-1.5 meters from each other and from other plants.
To plant the plants, you need to prepare holes 60-70 cm wide and 40-50 cm deep.
First, drainage from stones or gravel is placed at the bottom of the hole, and fertile soil mixed with compost or manure is placed on top.
Planting seedlings
To plant grapes, you need to follow these steps:
• Cut the roots of the seedling by 10-15 cm and treat them with a solution of potassium permanganate or clay.
• The seedling should be placed in the hole so that the grafting site is at the level of the soil surface or slightly higher.
• Fill the hole with soil, compacting it with your hands or feet.
• Make a small ridge of soil around the stem to form a hole for watering.
• Water the seedling generously and cover it with leaves to protect it from frost.
Caring for grapes
In order for the grapes to take root and grow well, you need to take care of them. Here are the basic rules for caring for grapes:
1. Water the grapes regularly, but not often. In spring and summer, water once a week, and in autumn and winter - once a month.
2. Feed the grapes with mineral or organic fertilizers twice a year: in the spring before flowering and in the fall after harvesting.
3. Prune the grapes every winter, removing excess and weak shoots. Leave 6-8 buds on each shoot, from which new branches will grow.
4. Protect grapes from pests and diseases using special preparations or folk remedies.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
