How to prepare and properly cover grapes for the winter

When to cover

In some regions of Russia, winters are relatively mild; in winter, temperatures rarely exceed 15 ° C below zero. In the Moscow region, growers do without sheltering the vines. But the Urals and the Volga region are areas with much harsher winters, so if you want to cultivate grapes there, take care of it thoroughly.

Residents of central Russia begin to shelter grapes in late November - early December. Remember to leave the vine open during the first frost. Thus, it hardens and will better endure wintering. Do not cover the vine too early or it will get wet and the bark will crack.

As for the Urals, young and ripe grapes are harvested here in mid-November. Wait until the ground in the garden freezes and stops thawing. Siberia is a harsh region, therefore frost-resistant varieties are cultivated here. It is important to start preparatory procedures in September.

Video "Preparing grapes for winter"

In this video, a specialist will tell you how to properly prepare grapes for winter.

Preparatory stage

Before purchasing or constructing a covering material for homemade grapes for the winter, complete the preparatory procedures. Do not rush to remove the vine from the trellis and cut it. The first preparatory stage is watering the plant. Moisten the soil liberally to allow the scions to mature. Note that there are up to 10 buckets of water per shrub. It is important to dilute 1 g of potassium permanganate in the first bucket - such watering will prevent the development of diseases of the root system.

The next stage is loosening the soil and removing weeds. This procedure is useful as there will be less worries around the vineyard with the onset of spring. Then add organic and mineral fertilizers to the soil. Remember to distribute the compounds within a meter radius around the bush.

Pruning is another preparatory event. Treat the remaining vines with a solution of copper sulfate (3%) - this way you will protect the branches from attempts by rodents to feast on them.

Now is the time to decide on the optimal method for covering the grapes. Please note that you cannot leave it upright as it will freeze.

Shelter methods

Winegrowers are trying in different ways to save the plant from freezing during periods of harsh temperatures. Learn which methods are considered the most effective, collect an arsenal of tools and materials, and then feel free to start covering procedures.

The earth

If you're looking for an affordable and budget-friendly way to cover your homemade grapes, go for soil or turf. As soon as the frost begins, sprinkle the vine with soil, the layer of which will be 10 cm. After 3-4 weeks, the procedure is repeated. It is important to start preparing the land in advance. Fill bags with it and store to keep dry. This method of sheltering homemade grapes is quickly implemented, does not require special care, but the grapes freeze in some cases.

Snow

If this method is properly organized, the vine will withstand even severe frosts. Winegrowers living in regions where snowy winters are a regularity rely on him. Cover the grapes with at least 50 cm of snow. To do this, first lay out wooden boards or a lattice near the bush, fix the vines with metal brackets, and then throw snow on top, tamping it down. Otherwise, the snowdrift will swell, and the vines will remain ajar in the frost.

With straw or cane

When the frost begins, remove the grapes from the trellis and place them on wooden planks. Then cover it with a layer of straw, the height of which will be 20 cm. After 2-3 weeks, repeat the procedure. When the straw layer has doubled, fix it with spunbond, arcs or sprinkle with snow. This method of covering the grapes is beneficial in that the straw does not interfere with oxygen access to the vine. It is an environmentally friendly material and is inexpensive. This method also has a drawback: straw is a favorite place for rodents.

Slate

The method of covering grapes with slate is considered reliable. Start by folding the vines together and bundling them together. Now is the time to wrap them in bags and put them in the grooves dug out in advance. Staples are fixed on top and slate is laid. Sprinkle it with earth, forming an air gap. It will heat up, so the vines will not freeze over in winter. Please note that immediately before placing the grapes in the grooves, they are treated with lime.

Spunbond

Agrofibre is suitable for regions with mild winters. If severe frosts are coming, add natural mulch to the spunbond to better protect the grapes. Agrofibre is used to cover vines directly on trellises for wrapping them and sheltering them on the ground. This material is also used to wrap the plant over a layer of foliage or straw.

Lapnik

Covering grape seedlings with coniferous materials is a smart solution for winegrowers living near forests. Fold the vines of the grapes, and cover them on top with spruce or pine branches. The layer should be 30–40 cm. In this case, air enters the plant without barriers, rodents do not penetrate here, and mold or fungus does not grow.

Roofing material

If you live in a strip with a relatively mild climate, use roofing material to cover the grapes for the winter. Dig grooves near the bushes and place the vines of the plant wrapped in burlap there. Then cover them with roofing felt on top.

Keep in mind that if it fits too tightly, the grapes will suffer from a lack of oxygen. That is why either leave small areas open, or regularly remove the layer of roofing material.

Protect the vines competently, study the recommendations of experienced growers, watch their videos and photos, and harvest a bountiful harvest next season.