jeff wrote:

> In answer to both Paul and "Kiwizoom", I am growing cab franc in southern
> ontario, Canada. Franc usually grows pretty good around here. I'm an hours
> drive from niagara wine country. They make a good franc down there. One of
> their better red varietals.
>
> This is the second year for fruiting vines for me. Because I have
> purposely limited my growing area to a small space, I am working with an
> unorthodox system of viticulture, using out-door hydrponics (don't
> laugh--it's working). Check out www.africusrex.com for a visual of the
> vineyard. You'll see what I'm accomplishing in the space I'm dealing with.
> (or if you read WineMaker magazine, I think the latest issue has the
> article).
>
> Needless to say, the principles of hydroponics change vine root
> development (but that's another thread).
>
> While the vine roots tend to take on their own morphology, canopy
> management still holds to traditional pruning methods. However, because
> I've deliberately (emphasis on deliberately) restricted the space, I am
> being very judicious as to what growth is allowed to stay and what gets
> hacked off. Thus, my pruning questions.
>
> My trellising methods employ a single upright fruiting cane growing
> lateral fruiting shoots. Internodal spacing is a bit close on some shoots.
> Yet on most shoots, is right on the money.
>
> The vines are very healthy and at this point; a month ahead of traditional
> cab franc vineyards nearby (I drove down there and checked).
>
> I've ordered several batches of cab franc grapes from Niagara, to compare
> taste and quality with my own harvest.
>
> This should give you a better idea of what my pruning questions are about.
>
> Jeff
>
> "kiwizoom" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>> Jeff,
>> Im not sure what variety you are growing or where you're growing them,
>> but if you don't have good internodal spacing then I would shoot thin.
>> Shoot thinning, IMHO, opens up the canopy allowing more air flow and
>> more sunlight into the developing basal buds where next years shoots
>> will grow from. If your internodal spacings are close, then thinning
>> shoots will help balance the canopy and give the vine a chance to have
>> better spacing next season. If your spacings are good then I would
>> imagine you have enough buds on the canes laid down that non fruiting
>> shoots wont be a drain so much as a help when it comes to ripening the
>> fruit.
>> It would be interesting to know what crop weight you were aiming for as
>> well. It has been my experience that this early in the season, or
>> rather your season as I live in NZ, that the vines will have more than
>> enough time and energy to put up more canopy if they feel the need.
>>

Jeff, Wow, I am impressed. Now that I see your vineyard, I have no idea of
what will work best. I think you are in the process of writing the
textbook for this system yourself. Nice work and keep us informed.

Paul