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Healthy vines
I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of
observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he can continue to help. Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population which may help soil texture. 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to add to my compost. 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to have maximum leaf for the ripening period. I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments Michael |
Healthy vines
"michael" > wrote in message ... >I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > can continue to help. > Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > which may help soil texture. > 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > add to my compost. > 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > Michael Just remember when you start killing wasps, they are efficient and necessary predators that control insects that cause worse damage and carry disease. Steve |
Healthy vines
On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote:
> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > can continue to help. > Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > which may help soil texture. > 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > add to my compost. > 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > Michael The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various nutrient deficiencies. Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most common. Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of Epsom salts. I read the other day that grapes usually don't need added phosphates. http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. If you had a long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. Stephen |
Healthy vines
On 19 Sep, 03:26, shbailey > wrote:
> On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: > > > > > > > I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > > observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > > replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > > someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > > issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > > can continue to help. > > Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > > 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > > greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > > will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > > wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > > compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > > which may help soil texture. > > 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > > ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > > primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > > splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > > happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > > of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > > 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > > nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > > needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > > add to my compost. > > 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > > healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > > long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > > could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > > 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > > vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > > them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > > encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > > have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > > I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > > Michael > > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > nutrient deficiencies. *Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > common. *Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > Epsom salts. *I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > added phosphates. *http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. *If you had a > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > Stephen- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - Thanks for that,Stephen.I have two questions. 1)When my grapes are ripening,the lower leaves seem to die back naturally.Is this the time to look for mineral deficiencies e.g.potash,or at an earlier stage? 2)What are the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency or excess? Regards,Michael |
Healthy vines
shbailey wrote:
> On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: >> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of >> observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful >> replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as >> someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the >> issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he >> can continue to help. >> Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: >> 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can >> greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and >> will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in >> wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden >> compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population >> which may help soil texture. >> 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to >> ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A >> primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing >> splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what >> happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling >> of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. >> 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much >> nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines >> needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to >> add to my compost. >> 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much >> healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the >> long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It >> could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. >> 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for >> vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of >> them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus >> encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to >> have maximum leaf for the ripening period. >> >> I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments >> >> Michael > > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > nutrient deficiencies. Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > common. Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > Epsom salts. I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > added phosphates. http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. If you had a > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > Stephen It was probably the long warm, dry spell that made the vines healthy. Vines love and thrive in those conditions. I don't think Michael lives in a semi-arid part of the world requiring mulch. |
Healthy vines
michael wrote:
> On 19 Sep, 03:26, shbailey > wrote: >> On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> > I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of >> > observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful >> > replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as >> > someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the >> > issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he >> > can continue to help. >> > Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: >> > 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can >> > greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and >> > will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in >> > wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden >> > compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population >> > which may help soil texture. >> > 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to >> > ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A >> > primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing >> > splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what >> > happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling >> > of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. >> > 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much >> > nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines >> > needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to >> > add to my compost. >> > 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much >> > healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the >> > long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It >> > could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. >> > 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for >> > vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of >> > them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus >> > encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to >> > have maximum leaf for the ripening period. >> >> > I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments >> >> > Michael >> >> The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various >> nutrient deficiencies. Â*Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most >> common. Â*Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of >> Epsom salts. Â*I read the other day that grapes usually don't need >> added phosphates. Â*http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php >> >> You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. Â*If you had a >> long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to >> the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. >> >> Stephen- Hide quoted text - >> >> - Show quoted text - > > > > Thanks for that,Stephen.I have two questions. > > 1)When my grapes are ripening,the lower leaves seem to die back > naturally.Is this the time to look for mineral deficiencies > e.g.potash,or at an earlier stage? > 2)What are the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency or excess? > > Regards,Michael The lower leaves dying back during ripening is a natural occurrence. these are the first leaves to open during the season. Leaves reach maturity and are no longer contributing after about 60 to 90 days. It is the young leaves at the top of the vine that are contributing to photosynthesis and ripening. |
Healthy vines
On Sep 19, 4:02 am, michael > wrote:
> On 19 Sep, 03:26, shbailey > wrote: > > > > > On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: > > > > I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > > > observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > > > replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > > > someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > > > issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > > > can continue to help. > > > Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > > > 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > > > greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > > > will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > > > wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > > > compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > > > which may help soil texture. > > > 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > > > ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > > > primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > > > splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > > > happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > > > of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > > > 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > > > nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > > > needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > > > add to my compost. > > > 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > > > healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > > > long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > > > could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > > > 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > > > vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > > > them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > > > encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > > > have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > > > I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > > > Michael > > > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > > nutrient deficiencies. Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > > common. Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > > Epsom salts. I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > > added phosphates. http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. If you had a > > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > > Stephen- Hide quoted text - > > > - Show quoted text - > > Thanks for that,Stephen.I have two questions. > > 1)When my grapes are ripening,the lower leaves seem to die back > naturally.Is this the time to look for mineral deficiencies > e.g.potash,or at an earlier stage? > 2)What are the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency or excess? > > Regards,Michael Michael, At this time of the year, the old leaf die back is natural. If it occurs prior to veraison, it can be a sign of drought stress (which can be lessened by the use of mulch). Drought stress may be manifest by signs of nutrient deficiencies. If you get yellow/red/purple streaks in your leaves prior to ripening time, it is nutrient deficiencies showing up like in the pictures on the link. Nitrogen needs are variety dependent to a degree. I have seen Merlot described as a "nitrogen hog", meaning if it has a lot of available nitrogen it will grow like crazy and not produce many grapes. If a vine has rampant growth but little fruit production, it probably has too much nitrogen. If it is a weak grower with small pale leaves, it may benefit from a little extra nitrogen and other nutrients. Stephen |
Healthy vines
On 19 Sep, 10:58, "Paul E. Lehmann" > wrote:
> shbailey wrote: > > On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: > >> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > >> observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > >> replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > >> someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > >> issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > >> can continue to help. > >> Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > >> 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > >> greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > >> will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > >> wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > >> compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > >> which may help soil texture. > >> 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > >> ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > >> primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > >> splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > >> happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > >> of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > >> 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > >> nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > >> needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > >> add to my compost. > >> 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > >> healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > >> long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > >> could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > >> 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > >> vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > >> them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > >> encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > >> have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > >> I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > >> Michael > > > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > > nutrient deficiencies. *Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > > common. *Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > > Epsom salts. *I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > > added phosphates. *http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. *If you had a > > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > > Stephen > > It was probably the long warm, dry spell that made the vines healthy. *Vines > love and thrive in those conditions. > > I don't think Michael lives in a semi-arid part of the world requiring > mulch.- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - Hi Paul, Although I do not live in a semi-arid part of the world,my sloping dry limestone south facing soil does dry extremely quickly during the summer.The grass on the adjoining orchard becomes a pale straw colour for a couple of months,and the planting of fruit trees in the orchard is almost impossible without regular watering in the first couple of years.So it may be the case that mulching in March helped the vines over the very warm dry June period,and stopped any powdery mildew developing.In other years,I have some powdery mildew,even though I spray regularly with wettable sulphur.This year I have not detected any powdery mildew on any of my four varieties of vines.So,maybe the jury is still out as to whether the mulching has helped the vines in my particular situation,but I am tempted to mulch again next year. Best regards Michael |
Healthy vines
Michael,
It's well documented that fungus preys on unhealthy plants. Plants that are stressed or made to suffer. Sound familiar? Also the mychorrrizal fungus in the mulch is helping the roots and vine. On the lateral issue, As I said before, laterals are produced by the vine after bloom to help with ripening. Depending on when bloom is is when you should stop pruning laterals. I wouldn't base my lateral pruning based on a date but on the date of bloom. The vine will most likely not produce laterals until after bloom and the most important set of laterals are the ones closest to the base of the shoot ( closest to the grapes). On Sep 21, 8:40*am, michael > wrote: > On 19 Sep, 10:58, "Paul E. Lehmann" > wrote: > > > > > > > shbailey wrote: > > > On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: > > >> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > > >> observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > > >> replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > > >> someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > > >> issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > > >> can continue to help. > > >> Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > > >> 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > > >> greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > > >> will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > > >> wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > > >> compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > > >> which may help soil texture. > > >> 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > > >> ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A > > >> primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > > >> splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > > >> happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > > >> of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > > >> 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > > >> nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > > >> needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > > >> add to my compost. > > >> 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > > >> healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > > >> long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > > >> could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > > >> 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > > >> vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > > >> them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > > >> encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > > >> have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > > >> I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > > >> Michael > > > > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > > > nutrient deficiencies. *Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > > > common. *Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > > > Epsom salts. *I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > > > added phosphates. *http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > > > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. *If you had a > > > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > > > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > > > Stephen > > > It was probably the long warm, dry spell that made the vines healthy. *Vines > > love and thrive in those conditions. > > > I don't think Michael lives in a semi-arid part of the world requiring > > mulch.- Hide quoted text - > > > - Show quoted text - > > Hi Paul, > * * * * * * Although I do not live in a semi-arid part of the world,my > sloping dry limestone south facing soil does dry extremely quickly > during the summer.The grass on the adjoining orchard becomes a pale > straw colour for a couple of months,and the planting of fruit trees in > the orchard is almost impossible without regular watering in the first > couple of years.So it may be the case that mulching in March helped > the vines over the very warm dry June period,and stopped any powdery > mildew developing.In other years,I have some powdery mildew,even > though I spray regularly with wettable sulphur.This year I have not > detected any powdery mildew on any of my four varieties of > vines.So,maybe the jury is still out as to whether the mulching has > helped the vines in my particular situation,but I am tempted to mulch > again next year. > Best regards > Michael |
Healthy vines
michael wrote:
> On 19 Sep, 10:58, "Paul E. Lehmann" > wrote: >> shbailey wrote: >> > On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: >> >> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of >> >> observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful >> >> replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as >> >> someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the >> >> issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he >> >> can continue to help. >> >> Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: >> >> 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can >> >> greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and >> >> will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in >> >> wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden >> >> compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population >> >> which may help soil texture. >> >> 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to >> >> ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch.A >> >> primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing >> >> splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what >> >> happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling >> >> of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. >> >> 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much >> >> nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines >> >> needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to >> >> add to my compost. >> >> 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much >> >> healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the >> >> long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It >> >> could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. >> >> 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for >> >> vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of >> >> them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus >> >> encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to >> >> have maximum leaf for the ripening period. >> >> >> I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments >> >> >> Michael >> >> > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various >> > nutrient deficiencies. Â*Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most >> > common. Â*Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of >> > Epsom salts. Â*I read the other day that grapes usually don't need >> > added phosphates. Â*http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php >> >> > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. Â*If you had a >> > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to >> > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. >> >> > Stephen >> >> It was probably the long warm, dry spell that made the vines healthy. >> Vines love and thrive in those conditions. >> >> I don't think Michael lives in a semi-arid part of the world requiring >> mulch.- Hide quoted text - >> >> - Show quoted text - > > Hi Paul, > Although I do not live in a semi-arid part of the world,my > sloping dry limestone south facing soil does dry extremely quickly > during the summer.The grass on the adjoining orchard becomes a pale > straw colour for a couple of months,and the planting of fruit trees in > the orchard is almost impossible without regular watering in the first > couple of years.So it may be the case that mulching in March helped > the vines over the very warm dry June period,and stopped any powdery > mildew developing. If you had a sunnier and warmer season than usual thus far, that could be the major reason for lack of powdery. > In other years,I have some powdery mildew,even > though I spray regularly with wettable sulphur.This year I have not > detected any powdery mildew on any of my four varieties of > vines.So,maybe the jury is still out as to whether the mulching has > helped the vines in my particular situation,but I am tempted to mulch > again next year. > Best regards > Michael How many rows do you have? Could you do an experiment and mulch some and don't mulch others and see if there is a difference? |
Healthy vines
"Could you do an experiment and mulch some and don't mulch others and
see if there is a difference?" I already did that. There is a big difference in the mulched vines compared to the unmulched vines. Micheal is just confirming what I and shbailey have seen. Why don't YOU do the experiment? You seem to be a typical viticulturalist, a stubborn dinosaur regurgitating old myths. On Sep 21, 9:56*am, "Paul E. Lehmann" > wrote: > michael wrote: > > On 19 Sep, 10:58, "Paul E. Lehmann" > wrote: > >> shbailey wrote: > >> > On Sep 18, 4:42 am, michael > wrote: > >> >> I thought that I would try again to further my understanding of > >> >> observations on my vines in England this year,based on the very useful > >> >> replies and discussion.There will always be disagreement,but as > >> >> someone new to growing grapevines,I hope that I can understand the > >> >> issues.I apologise to doubi..for my recent comment,and hope that he > >> >> can continue to help. > >> >> Let me try again to summarise my recently gained knowledge: > >> >> 1)Using wood chip as a mulch on the surface around the vine can > >> >> greatly help in the stabilisation of upper soil moisture content,and > >> >> will not affect the nitrogen of the vines-rotovating or digging in > >> >> wood chip will rob the soil,and this is my gardening experience.Garden > >> >> compost could be even better,as it introduces a living worm population > >> >> which may help soil texture. > >> >> 2)Wasps or other insects are not the source of primary damage to > >> >> ripening grapes,but can spread the rot to other grapes in the bunch..A > >> >> primary source of damage could be a heavy rain shower,causing > >> >> splitting,followed by wasps,etc moving in.I think that this is what > >> >> happens with plums after they split when nearing ripeness.My culling > >> >> of the majority of the wasp population will still help,I believe. > >> >> 3)I thought that darker vine leaves to be an indicator of too much > >> >> nitrogen.I would like to know what the indicators are for vines > >> >> needing more phosphates,or potash,so that I know what fertiliser to > >> >> add to my compost. > >> >> 4)One indisputable fact is that my vines and grapes are sofar much > >> >> healthier this year. I believe that probably the main cause is the > >> >> long very warm dry spell here in June-but I do not really know.It > >> >> could be the compost keeping moisture levels stable. > >> >> 5)My original post was about pruning of laterals or sideshoots for > >> >> vigorous vines in a cool climate.My policy now is to remove most of > >> >> them in June and July to prevent a dense canopy developing,thus > >> >> encouraging powdery mildew,and then leave them alone after veraison to > >> >> have maximum leaf for the ripening period. > > >> >> I hope that my understanding is improving and welcome your comments > > >> >> Michael > > >> > The following link provides pictures of grape leaves with various > >> > nutrient deficiencies. *Potash (potassium) and magnesium are the most > >> > common. *Magnesium can be easily supplied with a few spoonfuls of > >> > Epsom salts. *I read the other day that grapes usually don't need > >> > added phosphates. *http://www.honeycreek.us/leaf_chart.php > > >> > You hit the nail on the head about the benefit of mulch. *If you had a > >> > long warm, dry spell and your vines remained healthy, it was due to > >> > the stable moisture levels enabled by your mulch. > > >> > Stephen > > >> It was probably the long warm, dry spell that made the vines healthy. > >> Vines love and thrive in those conditions. > > >> I don't think Michael lives in a semi-arid part of the world requiring > >> mulch.- Hide quoted text - > > >> - Show quoted text - > > > Hi Paul, > > * * * * * * Although I do not live in a semi-arid part of the world,my > > sloping dry limestone south facing soil does dry extremely quickly > > during the summer.The grass on the adjoining orchard becomes a pale > > straw colour for a couple of months,and the planting of fruit trees in > > the orchard is almost impossible without regular watering in the first > > couple of years.So it may be the case that mulching in March helped > > the vines over the very warm dry June period,and stopped any powdery > > mildew developing. > > If you had a sunnier and warmer season than usual thus far, that could be > the major reason for lack of powdery. > > > In other years,I have some powdery mildew,even > > though I spray regularly with wettable sulphur.This year I have not > > detected any powdery mildew on any of my four varieties of > > vines.So,maybe the jury is still out as to whether the mulching has > > helped the vines in my particular situation,but I am tempted to mulch > > again next year. > > Best regards > > Michael > > How many rows do you have? > Could you do an experiment and mulch some and don't mulch others and see if > there is a difference? |
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