Beginner growers doubt whether it is worth sheltering grapes. These works must be carried out in areas where frosts are 15 degrees and above. Often gardeners do not know how to do this. Immediately make a reservation that not all grape varieties require winter shelter. For example, the old varieties Isabella and Lydia can not be insulated. If possible, the vines should be bent to the ground, and frosts up to 35 degrees are not afraid of them.
Less frost-resistant varieties need to be sheltered. In order for the grape bush to winter well, it needs to be prepared for frost. The vine must have time to mature well. Bushes cannot be overloaded with crops;
potash fertilizers are introduced in the fall
, watering is stopped in a timely manner.
Vines of grapes withstand much greater frosts than roots, which freeze during snowless winters even at 7 degrees below zero. Therefore, it is very important to cover the roots of grape bushes. Moreover, the land should not be taken next to the bush, but at a distance of not less than a meter. Younger fragile bushes tolerate frosts worse.
Another question that worries many gardeners: when to cover grapes? Experienced growers are advised to carry out these works after the onset of frosts of 5-6 degrees, when the vines have time to harden and prepare well for the winter. In addition, there is a possibility that small frosts, alternating with rain and thaws, will negatively affect the vine too wrapped up, which can warp.
If frosts did not occur in early November, in the middle of the month grapes must be covered, as severe frosts are possible at any time. Many gardeners cannot decide how to cover grapes for the winter. It depends on the method you choose.
You can cover the grapes in three main ways:
- hilling;
- partial shelter;
- complete shelter.
In any case, the vine must be treated with agents against diseases and parasites. Spud young plants. For adult bushes, hilling is done only in the southern regions. The bush is covered with an earthen rampart. There is an easy way to protect grapes from the cold. How to shelter? Young bushes are covered with plastic bottles without caps, and then sprinkled with earth on all sides.
Partial shelter does not protect against severe frosts, since only the upper part of the crown, bent to the ground, is sprinkled with earth, the rest is covered with improvised materials. How to cover grapes for the winter completely? In large agricultural enterprises , vines are laid in prepared trenches and covered with soil from above. In small household plots, this method is rarely used.
How to cover it in a summer residence? First, inspect the grape bush, leaving only well-ripened shoots. On these shoots should be no more than 10 buds, the rest are removed. A bunch of grapes is lightly tied into a bunch, so it will be easier to lay it.
It is important to exclude the contact of the vine with the ground, so we put boards, slate and other material under it. We lay the vine and lightly pin it to the ground. Now a very important point: how to cover grapes for the winter, what material to choose?
For this purpose, you can use old things: rugs, bedspreads, burlap. Usually in the spring, after use, they are neatly folded and stored until autumn. Care must be taken not to damage the kidneys. On top of this design is covered with a film. It is important to leave gaps at the ends of the film so that the grapes do not ripen.
Further, the film is pressed to the soil, bent around with several rods and sprinkled with earth. If there is no way to bend the vine to the ground, you can simply wrap it and attach it to the arch. But the roots of the grapes must be covered.
Another good way to solve the problem is how to cover grapes for the winter. Small bushes are covered with dry leaves, and a sheet of slate or board is placed on top.
Much depends on how the grape bush overwintered. If you properly cover your grapes, in the summer he will thank you with a generous harvest.