PFS wrote:

> Bob - thanks for the information. It helps.
>
> On your question of what I'm planting.... My farm is in central PA, atop
> a
> small mountain (big hill) overlooking the Susquehanna River. The farm
> benefits from some temperature moderation from the river. I haven't
> selected the specific varieties, but hope to do about 8 different
> varieties
> of 10 vines each. Six will probably be FrenchAmerican, with a bias toward
> those suitable for red wine. I'd like to try a couple vinifera varieties
> (cab, merlot) as I think the proximity to the river will give me some help
> in creating a good environment for the vin's.
>
> Thanks,
> Paul

You may wish to reconsider planting 8 different varieties.

Keep in mind that each variety will have different periods of bud break,
flowering, fruit set, maturity and tolerances to different fungicides.
With these differences comes differences in the spray schedule and possible
type of fungicide than can be used. For example, some varieties may be
sensitive to sulphur and some varieties may be sensitive to copper. You
may be creating a lot of work for yourself. I think the people at Penn
State could help narrow down the list.

I would suggest that you first decide which wines you prefer by visiting
local wineries in your area and then see if your particular site is
suitable for that variety.

Experimentation is fine but a lot of the experimentation has already been
done by state agriculture extensions. I am not trying to rain on your
parade but instead speak from experience and trying to pass along my
lessons learned.

I planted my backyard vineyard not really knowing what information was
available and not taking advantage of their services immediately. It has
been a learning experience and I have learned a lot - the hard way - but I
am closing in on 60 years of age and I don't have that long to learn things
the hard way. I am now considering converting some of my vines by
grafting.