Preparing Grapevines for Winter

grapes

Preparing Grapevines for Winter

What do I have to do to put my grapevine to bed for the winter?

Your grapevine can be safely pruned once all of the leaves have fallen off the vine (around June).

It is important to establish a framework of strong, sturdy “leaders”, ideally growing horizontally.  From these leaders prune smaller, lateral growth back to two nodes (small lumps in the wood). It is from these nodes that next season’s growth and grapes will appear. 

Grapes are very hardy plants; however, you must ensure that the soil around the base of the plants does not become exceptionally wet over winter. This may involve installing additional drainage in this part of the garden.

Applying Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed around the base of the vine will improve the existing soil in the long term, while in the short term, it suppresses weeds and insulates the roots.

In early spring, be mindful of your grapevine's vulnerability to frost. Protect the new shoots from potential damage by covering the vines with a frost cloth from late August to September.
 

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