Preservation of cuttings is a very responsible and difficult task not only for young gardeners, but also for experienced ones. Indeed, the future harvest depends on the correct harvesting and storage of grape branches. What rules must be followed so that the seedlings survive the winter?
Harvesting cuttings
Cuttings demanding careful handling. The quality of the workpiece directly affects their safety in the winter. Late autumn is considered the most suitable time for cutting the vine. The main thing is to be in time before the onset of frost in December.
It is important to choose the right branches. For this purpose, a fruit vine is best suited. She will better tolerate storage and give good kidneys. The thickness of the branch should be from 5 to 8 mm. But a thicker one will do. The main thing is that the core of the plant is not loose.
The vine should be chosen without any damage. Cut it off at a distance of 2-3 cm from the internode. It is recommended to cut branches, the length of which varies from 70 to 140 cm. Such blanks are better stored.
Storage preparation
A key factor in successfully preserving grape branches is the water content. Indeed, during storage, they gradually lose moisture, which reduces the chances of further use. Therefore, it is desirable to prepare the vine immediately after the cut.
Before laying the branches, they must be treated with a 3% solution of copper sulfate. This will help prevent mold and fungal diseases. After the procedure, the branches must be dried well to exclude the possibility of decay.
Storage methods
There are several effective ways to preserve the vine branches in the cellar. The goal of each of them is to maintain the moisture of the seedlings.
The first is quite simple and suitable for storing a small number of cuttings. After cutting the branches, they should be wrapped in a damp cloth made of natural material. The blank must be wrapped in a plastic bag with several holes for ventilation. About once a month they should be inspected for mold.
The second option helps to save a large number of vines. For its implementation, it is necessary to dig a hole 0.5 m deep, on the bottom of which a layer of sand is poured. Bound branches are laid in a trench and sprinkled with wet sand. The thickness of the layer should be approximately 7 cm, and on top another 25 cm of earth.
The latter method is also quite popular. Before laying in the cellar, the future seedlings are placed in bags filled with wet sawdust. This reduces the consumption of carbohydrates and maintain the moisture of the branches of grapes.