How and what to feed grapes in July in the Middle Zone
Grapes are demanding on growing conditions. In order for the shrub to grow well in any climate and regularly bear tasty fruits, it is fed. Gardeners use organic, mineral and folk fertilizers depending on the condition and age of the bush. Let's consider what to feed grapes for a good harvest and what recommendations from experienced winegrowers to follow.
What fertilizing do grapes need in July in the middle zone?
Top dressing is a source of micro- and macroelements that grapes require for long and healthy fruiting. If you do not fertilize the plants, they grow sluggish and have low yields, especially in the conditions of central Russia.
The climate in these regions is changeable, the lands are not fertile, so grapes need organic, mineral and complex fertilizers.
Symptoms of deficiency
In July gardeners reduce the amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and increase the application of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. With a lack of potassium, the water balance is disturbed - part of the water obtained from irrigation is wasted. The crop’s resistance to fungal diseases and frost also decreases, and the plant is more susceptible to the influence of external factors.
It is easy to recognize a lack of potassium: the lower leaves of the bush turn purple, then turn brown and die. If measures are not taken in time, the bush slowly fades and the fruits that set fall off.Potassium deficiency is especially common in soils with a high lime content.
Another common problem is phosphorus deficiency. The growth and development of the root system slows down, and the shrubs slowly wither. Wilting begins with a change in the color of the leaves - they become pale, and brown streaks appear on some. Later, the petioles actively lengthen and the leaf blades curl upward. Sometimes the leaves become covered with red spots, which become larger over time. This is how necrosis begins - the death of leaf blades.
Attention! In addition to potassium and phosphorus, in July the vineyard needs zinc, boron and magnesium. Zinc deficiency is recognized by yellow and dry leaves, boron deficiency by light-colored leaves and falling flowers. If grapes lack magnesium, the shoots stop growing, become dry and brittle. Sometimes a plant lacks several microelements at once, in this case it is necessary to fertilize it with a complex feeding.
Deadlines for fertilizing in July
In July, the grapes are fertilized during fruiting. In the Moscow region and Moscow region this is the middle of the month, in the Rostov region and other southern regions - the beginning, in the Urals and Siberia - the end.
There are no specific dates, it is recommended to rely on climatic conditions. Favorable days - when the weather is dry and calm, there is no rain or wind. The optimal time of day for the procedure is early morning, while there is no sun.
Some gardeners choose the day to apply fertilizer in accordance with the lunar calendar. In 2020, July 24-30 is suitable for mineral fertilizing, and July 1-3, 9-11 for organic fertilizing. Unfavorable days according to the lunar calendar are July 15-17.
How to feed grapes in July in the middle zone
Both organic and mineral fertilizers have a positive effect on grape development and yield. The main thing when preparing them is to follow the recommended dosages and safety measures.
Organic fertilizers
Organic matter strengthens roots and improves soil composition. Summer residents use humus - they scatter it around the bushes, after loosening the ground.
After applying humus, the soil becomes light and breathable, and more oxygen reaches the roots.
Before using humus, it is important to make sure that it does not contain pest larvae. It is also recommended to water the vineyard abundantly before the procedure to reduce the risk of burning the roots. Humus is added once every 2-3 years.
Wood stove ash is needed in July - a source of potassium, boron, copper and zinc. It reduces the acidity of the soil, making it more nutritious. A groove 10 cm deep is made around the trunk, ash is poured into it, and soil is sprinkled on top. Use fertilizer annually. Ash can also be mixed with compost applied under the bush.
Mineral fertilizers
Mineral fertilizers are convenient because they are suitable for any soil. They are universal, sold in garden stores, and easy to prepare. In July, fertilizing with potassium nitrate will help the vineyard. Pour 10 liters of water at room temperature into a clean plastic bucket and add 150 g of potassium nitrate. Stir, then bring under the bush. Consumption rate: 2 liters per plant. Fertilizing with potassium nitrate stimulates the ripening of fruits, improves their presentation, and strengthens immunity to diseases and pests.
Mineral complex supplements are also in demand, for example, the compositions “Aminozol” and “MicroMix”.The first contains amino acids, protects the plant from stress and increases productivity. 5 ml of the drug is diluted in 1 liter of water and applied to the root. MicroMix increases the plant's immunity to disease and does not contain chlorine or heavy metals. Add 20 mg of the drug to 10 liters of water and use it for spraying or watering.
Attention! When preparing working solutions, follow the dosages indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. Otherwise, the grapes will suffer salt shock or chemical burns. Store prepared solutions for no more than 12 hours.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies attract gardeners with their low price and effectiveness. A universal fertilizer for grapes is a solution of onion peels. 20 g are soaked in 5 liters of boiling water and infused for 5 days.
The resulting concentrate is diluted with clean water in a ratio of 1:2. Use the solution to water the bushes. The product protects against diseases and insects. For effectiveness, add 100 g of dry grated soap to it.
Nettle solution is also indispensable in the garden. The grass contains 34% potassium, 37% calcium, 6% magnesium, as well as organic acids and vitamins A and E.
Nettle branches and leaves are poured into a barrel so that they occupy half the container. Pour boiling water over the herb and leave for 2 weeks, stirring daily. Fermentation will begin and the infusion will darken. After 2 weeks, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and used for irrigation. Summer residents advise preparing the product in a wooden or plastic barrel. Metal is not suitable - due to the reaction with metal, the grass will lose its beneficial properties.
How to apply fertilizer correctly
The effectiveness of fertilizers also depends on the correct application. There are two ways - root and foliar. The first is aimed at feeding the grapes from the soil, the second - from the leaves. Summer residents advise alternating these methods with each other.
Root method
Before applying organic or mineral fertilizers, the soil is first loosened with a rake to a depth of 5-7 cm. This will help the nutrients be absorbed faster. Also, the grapes are pre-watered; no fertilizing is applied to the dry soil. A humid environment helps more microelements reach the roots. Water also protects grapes from burns.
If dry fertilizers are used, they are scattered evenly around the bush and then buried to the digging depth. If solutions are used, furrows 10 cm deep are first prepared around the bush. After the fertilizer is absorbed, they are sprinkled with dry soil.
Foliar method
The solution should remain on the leaves as long as possible, so gardeners spray the grapes in the early morning or evening. Spray fertilizer on the outside and inside of the leaves. Spray the plant until the solution begins to drip from the foliage.
It is recommended to combine foliar feeding with other agrotechnical measures: watering, preventive treatment against diseases and pests, formation. The advantage of the foliar method is that it can be used throughout July. It is important to remember that the last treatment is carried out no later than 3 weeks before harvest.
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Feeding during flowering/fruiting
Flowering in July occurs in a number of late-ripening varieties, for example, Karaburnu or Donskoy white grapes. At this time, it is recommended to pay attention to complex fertilizers. Summer residents use the drug “Humate +7 IODINE”. Fertilizer based on humic acids stimulates flowering and fruit set, increases productivity, and improves soil fertility. Dilute 2 g of the drug in 10 liters of water, water the grapes at the root at the rate of 2 liters per bush.
Attention! A week after the procedure, the plants are sprayed with nettle infusion. An integrated approach guarantees strong plant immunity and good yield.
During fruiting, plantings are fertilized with iron chelate. It completely dissolves in water, is quickly absorbed by the plant, and can be combined with other fertilizers. 5 g of iron chelate is diluted in 10 liters of water and the vineyard is sprayed twice a week. The solution not only increases productivity, but also protects against a common disease - chlorosis.
Advice from experienced winegrowers
The advice of experienced winegrowers can help you grow a sweet and juicy harvest in your garden plot. They recommend:
- apply fertilizers in dissolved form;
- when choosing a fertilizing date, pay attention to weather conditions;
- dilute fertilizers in more water so that they are distributed more evenly;
- prepare solutions immediately before use, do not store them;
- add liquid organic matter after rain;
- if the plant is sick, use foliar fertilizers;
- alternate organic and mineral compositions.
Conclusion
In July, summer residents focus on phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Ash, nettle infusion, and potassium nitrate are added under the bushes.Fertilizers stimulate fruiting, protect grapes from cracking and frost, and increase the crop's resistance to disease.
Winegrowers advise applying fertilizers in liquid form - this way they are better absorbed. Together with root fertilizers, foliar feeding is used - the bushes are sprayed with complex or folk remedies. The interval between procedures must be at least 3 weeks. Otherwise, the plant suffers from an excess of nutrients.