Features of insulating grapes in the Moscow region: how and when is it better to cover them for the winter

Heat-loving grape It has long been successfully grown in regions with not the most comfortable climate, including in the Moscow region. Varieties that are resistant to the vagaries of the weather are not inferior in taste and quality to those from the south. However, owners of vineyards near Moscow should take care of protecting their bushes from winter frosts.

Features of the climate of the Moscow region

The Moscow region climate belongs to the temperate continental type. It is characterized by a limited period of positive temperatures and their sharp changes throughout the year. The warmth at the end of summer is often replaced by long, cold rains.

Timing for covering bushes in the Moscow region

Shelter for the winter is carried out after harvesting late varieties in October-November. The exact time depends on the varietal characteristics and age of the plant.

At what temperature should you cover grapes?

Mature vines must endure hardening with the first cold snap at temperatures from +3°C to 0°C. The first wave of frost will stimulate the plant’s immunity and increase frost resistance.

When the temperature is set from -5°C to -8°C, the grapes are covered. If it is not possible to get to the site during the onset of stable frosts, then insulation is carried out earlier, not forgetting to build two vents on the sides of the shelter. At -10°C the ends are completely closed.

Which grapes do not need to be covered and why?

Some varieties of frost-resistant grapes for open ground are called uncovered.But you can refuse any insulation of the bush only after 3-5 years, when it gets stronger.

To check, it will be enough to leave one “sleeve” of grapes in the open air for the whole winter, and in the spring check the condition of the eyes for survival. If about 75% is preserved, then the bush does not require protection next winter.

Important! The main task of the shelter is to ensure a stable temperature: the buds should not freeze or, conversely, begin to grow ahead of time.

How to prepare grapes for shelter in the Moscow region

Preparing grapes for wintering in the Moscow region begins after harvest and leaf fall. Autumn agricultural technology is aimed at quickly restoring the plant’s strength and combating pests and diseases.

Trimming

Autumn pruning grapes - a sanitary and rejuvenating procedure at the same time. After leaf fall, dry, diseased and damaged shoots are removed. To form the crown, excess branches and immature vines are cut off.

Important. Chasing the grape vine will contribute to its lignification and increase winter hardiness. To do this, at the end of summer and autumn, remove the tops of shoots that have outgrown the trellis.

Watering

Moderate moisture-recharging watering will be beneficial for grapes, especially in dry autumn. Sandy soil is watered more often, but with small portions of water. Clay soils are irrigated 1-2 times, depending on the level of groundwater. Well-moistened soil around the bush freezes less.

Top dressing

Before wintering, the grapes are fed with a mixture of mineral fertilizers. For 10 liters of water you will need potassium salt and superphosphate, 25 g each. Holes 15-20 cm deep are made around the bush and spilled with a solution (10 liters per plant).

Foliar feeding is useful during the period when the foliage has not yet fallen.Boric acid, mixtures based on potassium and phosphorus are suitable for them.

Fertilizers should not contain nitrogen, otherwise it will provoke plant growth.

Treatment against diseases and pests

After pruning, the grapes are sprayed for medicinal and preventive purposes. A solution of 10 tbsp helps against pathogens. l. salt and 5 tbsp. l. baking soda per 10 liters of warm water. Liquid process bushes completely, at least three times in mid-September.

Spraying with copper sulfate will destroy both infections and overwintering pests. The substance is dissolved in warm water in a ratio of 1:50 and the grapes are treated on both sides. One bush requires about 2 liters of liquid. After 15-20 days, the procedure is repeated.

Plant or any other material from last year that will be used to insulate grapes can be a carrier of pathogens. To eliminate the risk of infection, they are sprayed with an antifungal drug. Bordeaux mixture, which has a wide spectrum of action, is well suited for this purpose.

To prepare the solution yourself, take 500 g of slaked lime, 250 g of copper sulfate and dissolve it in 8 liters of warm water. After processing, the raw materials are dried.

By autumn, bunches of herbs with phytosanitary properties are prepared: calendula, tansy, wormwood, marigold. They are laid out in straw and fallen leaves.

Covering methods

The degree of protection of grapes from frost depends on the region, variety, and general condition of the plant. With any method, the main rule is to insulate the root zone.

The influence of climate on the method of covering grapes

In the climatic conditions of the Moscow region, where frosts are below -20°C, grapes are a must cover. During winter, it is recommended to adjust the degree of protection and periodically ventilate in warm weather.

Near-standard instillation

The method is suitable for protecting young winter-hardy grape varieties. In autumn, the shoots are not cut, but tied into a bundle. The vines are laid on a sheet of plywood or wire, and the lower part of the trunk and the head of the bush are covered with earth.

The size of the earthen mound should be proportional to the root system and age of the bush. The approximate parameters of the shelter are 10-25 cm in height, diameter - from 30 cm.

This method will help the plant withstand frosts down to -15°C. If the winter is harsher, stronger shelter will be needed.

Half cover

The method is suitable for combined varieties - their tops are more frost-resistant than the root area. Plant materials used to mulch the ground around the base are suitable as shelter. Additionally, agrofibre is thrown on and the edges are secured so that the wind does not blow away.

Full Cover

The method involves removing the branches from the support, bending them to the ground and completely covering them with a structure made of 2-3 materials. In the conditions of the Moscow region, the method provides 100% security.

Snow

Mature bushes of frost-resistant grapes will survive the Moscow region winter well under snow cover. The layer should be at least 40 cm, with additional snow added periodically.

Earth

The grapevine is pinned in arcs to the ground, and a layer of soil is poured on top from the inter-row spaces, but away from the roots. In the Moscow region they recommend making a triple cover: 15 cm of ordinary soil, 15 cm of compost on top, and 20 cm of loose soil on top.

Straw or reed

The vines are laid on boards and covered with a layer of straw or reed 20 cm thick. As it gets colder, the same layer is added on top, secured with arcs, spunbond, or covered with snow. To prevent rodents from settling in, poisonous baits are laid out.

Covering with foliage

Dry foliage is a proven thermal insulation material. It is used as an independent shelter or as a layer of a frost protection system.

Spruce spruce branches

Spruce branches are laid out in a 10-15 cm “cushion” under the grapes. A vine is placed on top and covered again with spruce branches.

Shelter in a trench

In cold climates, grapes are often grown in trenches 20-30 cm deep. In preparation for winter, the branches are bent to the ground, insulated with available raw materials - straw, mulch, spunbond - and the trench is covered with boards, shields, polycarbonate.

At normal planting bushes trenches are dug along the growth line, the vines are similarly tied, placed in furrows and insulate.

Dry shelter

For the climatic conditions of the Moscow region, dry shelter technology is the best option. It simultaneously solves the problem of insulation, stabilizing the temperature regime, and prevents the accumulation of condensation inside the structure during a thaw.

For air exchange, insert a bunch of straw or a plastic bottle without a bottom and a lid, with the neck outward, into the ends. With the onset of severe frosts, the vents are closed.

Slate

The building material slate is used with additional cover, for example, burlap:

• trenches about 30 cm deep are dug along the bushes;
• the vine is wrapped in burlap and placed in furrows;
• cover with pieces of slate and cover with earth.

Film

The polyethylene film is stretched onto a pre-installed frame across the grape rows. The edges are pressed with weights. In regions with harsh winters, this material will not be enough. Under the film, the bushes require additional thermal insulation material and insulation - for example, roofing felt and spunbond, agrofibre are suitable.

Important! Do not allow condensation to form on the film.This can lead to damping off of the vine and the development of fungus.

Ruberoid

They make a structure from metal arcs to which roofing felt is attached. The bushes are first insulated with lighter, breathable material. Such a shelter requires regular ventilation.

Boxes

Cardboard boxes hold heat well, but they must be covered with thicker, waterproof material.

Other materials

Gardeners have adapted to use many other materials with useful thermal insulation properties:

• car tires without rims;
• fiberglass or special construction vapor-permeable films;
• wooden boxes;
• polystyrene foam, sawdust, hay.

Gardeners in the Moscow region prefer not to take risks and insulate the above-ground and underground parts of the bush using the dry complete method. Snow will only be an additional natural protection.

Features of sheltering young grapes

In the first two years from the moment of planting, young grapes, even uncovered varieties, are vulnerable and need protection. The period of shelter is on the eve of the first frost, even if the leaves have not yet fallen.

A compact first-year bush can be covered with a plastic bottle without a top, sprinkled with straw, paper, leaves and covered with soil. In subsequent years, they are insulated with complete or incomplete shelter.

Opening dates after wintering

Frost protection begins to be removed at an average temperature of 0°C. As a rule, this time falls in the first week to mid-April. At average +10°C per day the grapes are fully opened, since the buds will already begin to grow.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Haste in covering the grapes or insulation too late can lead to complete or partial death of the plant.

Common mistakes:

• Pre-winter preparation of bushes has not been carried out;
• too little or too much earth has been poured, especially on top of the film;
• the root system is not sufficiently protected;
• the soil for insulation is taken from under the bush itself.

Conclusion

For successful overwintering of grapes near Moscow, dry and complete shelter is suitable. Annual and young seedlings require maximum protection from frost. Rationally used materials should heat, not allow water to pass through, but not interfere with air exchange. In the spring, you should not rush to remove the shelter so that the plant does not experience stress from hypothermia.