| What is Grapevine Pruning: Uses of Pruning & | | | | common grapevine pests, and normally produce |
| Training In the Vineyard | | | | less foliage than their counterparts - a great |
| Grape growing has been in the history books | | | | advantage for many first time growers. |
| since the early development of farming practices. | | | | Why Prune: Benefits and Applications of the |
| The techniques that are used today to manage | | | | Pruning Process |
| and maintain a grapevine, have been perfected | | | | An important aspect of pruning is that this |
| over centuries of trial and error. | | | | process will rid your grapevines of old canes and |
| Like in any plant-growing process, weeding, | | | | spuds that no longer produce fruit. Grapevines' |
| pruning and pest control are required regularly to | | | | canes are only productive during their first year |
| maintain a healthy vine, and to tame your plant to | | | | of growth, making it absolutely necessary to |
| grow at a certain pace, and in the right directions. | | | | generate canes every growing season to lock-in a |
| This process can take a few years, since the vine | | | | future harvest. |
| won't be fully mature until the third year of | | | | Pruning will also aid in plant size management, since |
| growth when it gives fruit. However, this enables | | | | the grapevine will adapt to the size and |
| the grape grower to tame the plant effectively | | | | productivity that you establish when you prune. |
| for the very first harvest, and to obtain a top | | | | If you clip more shoots, your vine will grow |
| quality wine making grape in the very first picking. | | | | smaller, while if you clip less the vine will be bigger. |
| Pruning refers to clipping back the vine so as to | | | | Some trial and error will be needed to find the |
| manage its growth and direction. In this manner, | | | | balance for your growing needs, but it will be |
| you also ensure that the grapevine is not using its | | | | effective to maximize production. This will also |
| nutrients on damaged, dry or unnecessary parts. | | | | prevent your grapevine from growing a shady |
| Pruning also controls the plants size, shape and | | | | canopy that, if not addressed, can seriously |
| production. | | | | jeopardize grape ripening and resulting quality of |
| How to Prune: The Standard Pruning MethodOnce | | | | the wine you make. |
| the trellis is planted, along with the grape vine, the | | | | What to Use: Pruning Tool |
| plant will only be allowed to grow from one main | | | | While there are various hand-tools to help you in |
| shoot that must be tied, vertically, to the trellis. All | | | | your grapevine pruning, it is important to |
| other shoots are to be clipped back. | | | | determine the correct one to use for your task |
| Once the first dormant period passes, you have | | | | to minimize vine damage. |
| to prune the grapevine so that the arms where | | | | The most common tools in the market are |
| the fruit will be supported can begin to shape and | | | | hand-pruners, loppers and handsaws. |
| grow. In order to do this, you must tie the two | | | | Hand-pruners are recommended for weaker |
| largest shoots provident of the main shoot, | | | | one-year canes, while lopes and handsaws are |
| horizontally on to the trellis. Any other shoots | | | | generally used for thicker plant sections that |
| must be clipped back. | | | | would otherwise be hard to cut with a |
| Once this step is completed, the grapevine will | | | | hand-pruning tool. |
| start to take shape. However, pruning will be | | | | Pruning is a simple process that will help you |
| required regularly, especially during dormant | | | | control the productivity and size of your vine, as |
| seasons, so as to keep a healthy, productive vine. | | | | well as the quality of the grapes it blossoms. |
| Generally, hybrid grapes will require less pruning, | | | | Be patient during the first taming, and you are |
| weeding and pest control in comparison to | | | | guaranteed to be rewarded with a top quality |
| European grape varieties. This is because hybrid | | | | wine-making grape. |
| grapes are more tolerant to colder climates and | | | | |