| We prune all fruit trees, vines and bushes, but the | | | | · To keep the vine healthy. |
| challenge of grape pruning lies in training the vine | | | | When to prune grapes |
| so that it will develop into a strong, vigorous plant | | | | Generally all grape vines should be pruned early in |
| that will bear lots and lots of fruit. | | | | winter. If you plant vines in early spring, then the |
| While it is obviously important to know how to | | | | first pruning will be in spring, and then in winter |
| prune your grape vine it is just as important to | | | | each year thereafter. |
| know when to prune it, and why you are pruning | | | | Tools for pruning grapes |
| it. | | | | The essential tools needed for pruning are: |
| Why we prune grape vines | | | | · A pair of good quality secateurs. |
| These are the primary reasons for pruning | | | | · A long-handled pruning tool. |
| grapes: | | | | · A sturdy, stable ladder. |
| · To shape the vine and train it along the grape | | | | · Good quality gloves. |
| trellis. | | | | How to prune grapes |
| · To ensure that there is a balance between the | | | | Apart from the pruning procedure that should be |
| development of roots, top growth and the fruiting | | | | followed (for example cutting back to two eyes |
| capacity of the vine. | | | | after planting and after the first year's growth), |
| · To distribute the fruiting wood so that you can | | | | the way you cut is also important. Never make |
| control the amount of fruit the vine will bear. This | | | | pruning cuts too far from the growth buds, or |
| will improve the quality of the grapes and ensure | | | | too close to them. Every cut should be a fraction |
| they grow to the optimum size. If the vine is | | | | of an inch (about 3 mm) above the bud. It should |
| allowed to bear too much fruit it will tend to be | | | | also form a slight angle upwards. |
| undersized. | | | | If you rise to the challenge of grape pruning, you |
| · To encourage new growth every year. | | | | will be rewarded with an excellent crop of grapes. |