Archive | April 2016

Cluster thinning time

Most shoots (laterals) now have 2-4 clusters. Usually only three, but sometimes up to 4 clusters. The standard thinning method is to leave only one cluster closest to the cordon, so you don’t over produce and near the top wire so the sun can get to it easier.  Too much fruit on the vine will affect veraison (ripening/coloring). I recently read on the more vigorous vines, you can leave two clusters and still get the same quality of fruit. I’m going to try this on the Black Spanish vines and see how it goes.

Sad pinching off all the clusters, but it has to be done.

IMG_5699IMG_5700

Time to add some Calcium Nitrate

Added first round of Calcium Nitrate.

IMG_5634

Shoots are 8-10inches.  Will pinch the extra clusters off soon.  IMG_5629

Little grape clusters starting to show up

Check out the grape clusters.

IMG_5615

IMG_5613

Peaches are coming along as well.

IMG_5616

Grapevines are showing signs of life

The shoots are starting to emerge on the grapes vines. The muscadines are still sleeping, but the buds are starting to swell a bit.

IMG_5571

This year I decided to try and propagate some new vines from the clippings. About 125 vines to try Lomanto, Black Spanish, and Blanc Dubois. We’ll see how it goes.