Installed an Electric Fence and Bird Netting
In a last ditch attempt to save some grapes this year, I’ve installed a solar powered electric fence, bird netting and some owls. If the birds and/or raccoons still take the muscadines, I don’t know what else to do. The fence charger is a bit overkill, granted, but if a raccoon touches the fence I want them to feel it :-0. This one can protect the vineyard, orchard, garden and about another 23+ miles of fence!
Two strings of wire. One at 5-6inches above ground and the other at 12inches. I could put another at 18-20 if they are jumping over. I put out a couple of deer infrared cameras as well with hopes I catch some of the action!
I also used some old conduit to keep the netting off the muscadines.
And the last attempt to keep the birds at bay. 3 owls placed in various locations.
Only time will tell if any of this works!
Aerial view of vineyard taken with quadcopter
Blanc Du Bios far left. Lomanto and Black Spanish second from left. Nobel, Black Beauty, Darlene and Ison’s Muscadine next three rows. Had some muscadine die off this year. All but two are growing back.
Preventing the birds from getting these grapes
The birds got all the Lomanto grapes, so I’m going to put the bird nets on the Black Spanish.
The nets are on! They still might be able to get to some of them, but hopefully I can protect the majority. Tucked and pined nice and neatly on the bottom so they can’t get in that way.
Black Spanish grapes getting close
The brix is only 15, but color is looking good. I’m hoping the brix will get up to at least 20, but this is the first year of fruiting. These vines were three years old when I got them, with great root systems. Second year in the vineyard. I tried to limit the fruit this year to only 2-3 bunches per vine, but as you can see, more grew on some vines.
The Birds the Birds…
I was so looking forward to testing the sugar levels in the Lomanto grapes today, but the birds beat me to it. I only let a few bunches grow this year, but all were stripped clean. Here is what was left…
Black Spanish Grapes Starting veraison!
Black Spanish starting to change just a bit (2 berries in this cluster).
Pulled many leaves so air can circulate better and sun can reach the grapes and wood for next years crop.
Most vines have made the trip down both sides of the wire (3-4′ both sides of the trunk). The ends have been snipped off so the shoots/canes for next year’s growth will grow in the middle of the cordon.
Black Spanish and Lomanto Grape updates
Lomanto (left) are looking nice. Brix of 15 so far. No color change on Black Spanish (right). Much smaller berries but large clusters.
Lomanto Grapes going through veraison (onset of ripening)
Lomanto grapes starting to ripen!
Removed the growth tubes today and trimmed all the suckers and random growth from vines. Most of the new vines have all reached the top wire and have been snipped just above the wire. Two laterals heading down each side of the wire.
Nobel Muscadines are doing well.
Lomanto grapes are filling out nicely!
These Lomanto grapes are getting huge and knock on wood, no rot yet. I must have started spraying early enough to prevent it. I can’t wait until next year when I can have a good crop. It will be two more years before we get a full crop. Now you know why it takes so long for wine to age. It actually starts from when you plant the vines. Three years for a partial crop and 4-5 for a full crop.
Before and After
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