Winter is an important time for grapes.
The health and productivity of your bushes in the coming season depend on how you prepare them for the cold weather.
Mistakes in care can lead to freezing of vines or diseases. Let's look at the key aspects of grape care in the winter months.
Preparing the vine for winter
In order for the grapes to survive the winter successfully, they need to be properly prepared before the cold weather sets in. At the end of autumn, cut off weak and damaged shoots, leaving only healthy branches.
Pruning helps reduce the load on the bush and ensures proper distribution of nutrients. After pruning, it is recommended to carry out moisture-charging watering - it will protect the roots from drying out and prevent the formation of voids in the soil.
Another important step is to treat the vine with copper or iron sulfate. This will help destroy fungal spores and insects that may have remained on the plant. After treatment, let the bushes dry out to avoid mold under the cover.
Covering bushes for winter
Covering grapes is the main method of protecting them from frost. In the south of Russia, partial covering is sufficient, but in regions with cold winters, the vines are covered completely.
First, carefully remove the branches from the supports and lay them on the ground, laying burlap, agrofibre or spruce branches underneath. This will prevent the vine from coming into contact with the damp soil.
Then cover the bushes with several layers of covering material, such as film or spunbond.
Leave small holes for ventilation to avoid condensation. On heavy soils, a layer of dry soil or sand can be added around the bushes to further insulate the roots.
Monitoring the condition of grapes in winter
Even under cover, grapes require attention. During thaws, it is important to ventilate the bushes to avoid moisture accumulation and the development of fungal diseases.
If there is little snow in the winter, throw it on top of the shelter - this will serve as a natural protection from the cold.
In case of severe frosts (below -20 °C), check the reliability of the shelter and add an additional layer of insulation.
At the end of winter, with the onset of the first warm days, gradually remove the cover to avoid steaming the vine. This should be done carefully so that the bush has time to adapt to the change in temperature.
Proper care of grapes in winter is the key to a bountiful harvest next season. If you follow all the recommendations, the bushes will be healthy, and the berries will be large and sweet.
