Features of pruning Isabella grapes in autumn
Isabella is the most popular grape hybrid in the whole world. Wines, juices, jams are made from it, and various desserts are prepared. Its prevalence is due not only to its taste, but also to its unpretentiousness. But even despite this, we should not forget about some rules for pruning and caring for Isabella grapes to obtain tasty and large berries.
When to prune Isabella grapes
Pruning grapes plays a key role in the formation of a healthy bush and obtaining a good harvest, and also simplifies the care of the plant in the future. Grape pruning It is recommended to do it in late autumn, when the leaves fall, or in early spring before the buds swell.
Beginners are recommended to carry out the procedure in the fall, as it is much simpler than in the spring. For pruning in the spring, it is important not only to carefully examine the bush and make sure that it is in “hibernation,” but also to wait for a certain air temperature. It should be within 0…+3°С. Pruning is not carried out in May, when warm weather sets in and abundant bud growth occurs. This can lead to the death of the bush.
For reference. Do not forget about the climatic features of the region where the grapes are grown. If the area has too harsh winters, autumn pruning can harm it and the shrub will freeze. In this case, it is better to postpone this process to the spring.
Experienced winemakers even resort to summer pruning of grape bushes, just before flowering.At the same time, almost all the lower leaves are removed for better exposure to sunlight and so that they do not take nutrients from the root system.
In addition to the leaves, the upper and part of the middle clusters are removed. Winemakers are confident that practically no nutrients reach them, and they are much inferior in quality to the lower fruits.
How to prune correctly in the fall
Autumn pruning is necessary to give shape to the bush and eliminate unnecessary and diseased parts. It begins 2-3 weeks after the leaves fall - usually no earlier than mid-October.
First, weak, damaged and dried out stepsons are removed from the bush. Then new shoots formed this season are shortened by 1/3, and lignified shoots by 2/3. An adult vine is also subject to pruning. 12 buds are counted on it, the rest are removed. The upper part of the bush is adjusted so that the vine stretches to the sides and not upwards.
For reference. Pruning is done at a right angle, leaving the cut surface even and smooth, in order to prevent the plant from losing a lot of juice and to guide it correctly along the vine. Also, do not cut off the shoots at the root. It is necessary to leave small bulges for better recovery of the grapes after the procedure.
Young bushes that are not yet a year old are pruned in the fall if they were planted in the spring. All existing shoots are shortened, leaving 3-4 buds on each.
Features of grape care
In order for vineyards to enjoy a rich harvest every year, they need care: watering, fertilizing, pruning, etc.
Watering and mulching
The first 2 years after planting, the bushes need increased watering. Young grapes need to be hydrated once a week by pouring 15-20 liters of water under the roots.Watering is carried out before the fruits appear.
After harvesting, the bushes again need moisture. Before wintering, the vineyard should receive at least 70 liters of water. Preparation for winter ends with the mulching procedure. This is covering the top layer of soil with a mixture of organic fertilizers, fallen leaves, spruce branches, peat chips and sawdust.
Mulch allows you to:
- prevent the soil under the bush from being washed away;
- avoid moisture loss and crust formation on the surface;
- protect the vineyard from freezing;
- prevent the appearance of weeds.
With the onset of summer, the mulch is not removed, but simply mixed with the top layer of soil during loosening.
For reference. Before mixing mulch components, they are checked for pests to avoid the risk of infesting the grapes.
Fertilizer
To form large and juicy berries, the grape bush requires fertilizer three times a season.
The first time fertilizing is done in the spring. Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen. The second time is at the stage of ovary formation. Here they use other fertilizers, which contain potassium and phosphorus.
The third feeding occurs in the fall, after harvesting. Complex fertilizers are applied (“Novofert grapes”, “Florovit”, etc.).
For reference. A few weeks before the start of flowering, it is allowed to additionally fertilize the bush with organic matter - an infusion of chicken manure.
Weeding and loosening
The soil under the vineyard must be in ideal condition: without weeds and constantly loose.
Regular weeding and loosening of the soil is done in order to ensure unhindered access to the root system of moisture and air. And this is the key to normal growth and development of the bush.
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Protection and shelter for the winter
This grape variety tolerates frost well and does not require enhanced shelter. But young, not yet strong bushes are wrapped in burlap or other available materials for the winter.
For reference. If there is a possibility of damage to the bark of the main trunk by rodents (mice or hares, which eat seedlings for food in winter), it is also covered for the winter.
Conclusion
The unpretentious grape variety Isabella grows in almost all regions due to its frost resistance. But, like any garden crop, it requires minimal care: pruning, watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil and weeding.
If you follow these simple rules, the shrub will delight you with an excellent harvest year after year.