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vineyard layout

I’m back! :-)

On September 19, 2011   /   grape vine training, how to grow grapes, new grape vine growth, training a grape vine, vineyard layout   /   Leave a comment

Dear grape growing friends,

It’s been a while since I posted on my blog, and I do apologize for the time I was “absent” – no I didn’t abandon you guys!

1st of all, there were some major changes in my personal life (which I’m sure you are not interested in) and 2nd I have been working real hard on finishing the membership videos of My Grape Vine.

The good news is that I have just upgraded both the main site www.my-grape-vine.com as well as the membership site for people who have joined The Complete Grape Growing System.

Those of you, who are members already, can head over to the membership pages and enjoy the more than 2 hours of training videos I have uploaded to your pages!

Anyway, I promise to be more ”active” on my blog from now on, because I will have more time to spend online.

Let’s start at looking at John’s vineyard;

A perfect example of what can be done in the first growing season

His email: “…… Your information allowed me to become very successful in my first growing season. Thanks!  John B…….”

From the pictures you can see that these are still young grape vines, but already John managed to get the vine on the trellis wires AND started to develop the frame work of the vines. (See how he managed to split the vines on the trellis wires in 3 different locations).  I’m not sure where he will develop the cordons (arms) of the vines (I haven’t asked him yet :-) ), but one thing I’m sure of;  he will have a strong enough frame work next year to produce his first crop – not many grape growers can say that!

Anyway John, as I said in the email: ” You did an excellent job and I’m so proud of you!“

 

To members of the Complete Grape Growing System: To get these results in year one, you need to train your grape vine to the top wire first and then develop the lateral shoots – remember to keep the vines clear of all lateral shoots below the 6 inch zone – this is crucial.  Just another tip:  when some of the laterals grow too long, you can trim the end of the lateral – this will allow more energy to be available to other lateral shoots.

Not a member yet?  Join right now – visit

My Grape Vine

 

Okay friends, this is all for now.  I will update the blog by the end of the week again.

Good luck and happy grape growing

Danie

www.my-grape-vine.com

 

 

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Glen’s vineyard

On June 25, 2007   /   grape vine training, grapes, how to grow grapes, vineyard layout   /   Leave a comment

Hello grape growers!

I am so excited, I just had to put this on my blog! Here is a blog that shows you a really great looking vineyard!

Glen from Slovenia bought the Complete Grape Growers Guide in February this year. He planted his 403 grape vines in April and trained them with the help of my e-book and just look at the results! Excellent grape vine training.

Notice the development of the grape vines and how he removed the lateral shoots exactly like it should have been done. Almost every single grape vine has grown more or less the same length and they all look very, very healthy! This is what I call a complete vineyard.

Glen, I personally want to congratulate you with a well developed vineyard and this shows you what can be done with a little effort and the right knowledge!

Here is a quote from his email:” Your book seems to be invaluable, I only planted my 403 vines, well, started on the 18th of april (quite Late really) and all have taken, Most of them 98% are between half a meter and a meter high (See pic P6180008) they seem to be growing like wild fire using your first year pruning technics.”

Want to grow grape vines that look like Glen’s vineyard? The Complete Grape Growers Guide is your answer!

Happy Grape Growing my friends

Danie

PS: To get your copy of the Complete Grape Growers Guide, click here.

http://www.my-grape-vine.com
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Laying out your vineyard

On March 5, 2007   /   grape vine, vineyard layout   /   Leave a comment
Hello grape fans!

Here is how to lay out your vineyard for optimum production, pest control, grape coloring and for best airflow through the vines.
Spacing:
I get lots of question about the spacing of the vines (in the row and between the rows). Now, there isn’t really something like wrong spacing between vines, but there are a few factors to take into consideration when planing your grape vine.
For bunch grapes, the most commonly used spacing is 7.5 to 8 feet between vines and 8 to 12 feet between rows. If you use implements like tractor and mowers in your vineyards, you need to plant the rows wide enough for the implements to be able to move between the rows.

On my farm, I use Slanted Trellis systems, and therefore I row widths of 3 meters (10 feet) rows – remember this is for bunch grapes. Here is a picture from the Complete Grape Growers Guide.

Another big factor that will determine the row spacing is the way you train your grape vine. Using a Four Cane Kniffen training system, takes up less space between the rows than say a Geneva Double Curtain training system, therefore the rows don’t need to be as wide.
Geneva double curtain

Four Cane Kniffen

When you look at how vigorous your variaty grows, this will also influence your decision on row width. Vigorous varieties should be planted further appart between vines and the rows should be a bit wider as well.

The way you prune your grape vine will also determine the spacing between vines. When you prune with canes, you must plant your vines far enough apart (at least 8 feet) so that you can twine the canes on the trellis wires without overlapping the adjacent vine’s canes.

Row direction:

The effect row direction has on the productivity is one of the most common mistakes “newbie” commercial and home grape growers make.

When planning your grape vine, you must always strive to expose as many leaves to direct sunlight as possible. This will ensure optimum photosynthesis, optimum pest control and good coloring of grapes. The prevailing wind direction is also important, especially in wet, humid climates. Planting the grape vine parallel with the prevailing winds, will slow down the wind speed and the evaporation of water from the leaves will be much slower, increasing the chances of diseases.

When you plan to establish your vineyard on a hill, with a slope, you normally plant on the contour of the hill. This is the best way to prevent erosion during heavy rains, BUT planting a vineyard on the contour of a hill, will slow down the movement of cold air through the vineyard, and the danger of cold air getting trapped (like a dam) in the vineyard could lead to cold damage of the vines. Be sure to channel the air out of the vineyard by constructing roads and dead ground at the lowest parts of your vineyard. A bush of forest close to your vineyard, could have the same affect, make sure to funnel the cold air out of the vineyard.

I hope this clears out some questions about row and vine spacing, and some questions about where to grow your grape vine.

For more information on growing grapes, get your copy of the Complete Grape Growers Guide today!

Have a grape (great) day!

Danie

www.my-grape-vine.com
http://www.my-grape-vine.com
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