Grape Pruning Secrets Revealed

Since grape planting is an attributed job; it involves a number of actions to get well-grown and qualitative grapes. Grape pruning has always been regarded as a major aspect of the grape planting course. In simple words, pruning refers to the process of getting rid of unwanted, non-productive plants, or diseased and decayed substances.

A Vital Activity

Grape pruning is a vital activity that must be performed at regular basis. It is an essential part of the process, and helps in the development of healthy grapes. If pruning is not done at the right time, it may lead to the overproduction and low-qualitative fruit. The primary aspect of grape pruning is to prune the grapes at the right time and season. Generally, it is advised to prune during Christmas time each year and prevent the crop from damage. Regular grape pruning helps in keeping the grapes disease free and helps in maintaining the growth and cultivation of the plant. This results in acquiring sugary, luscious, and incredible grape fruit.

Why Prune?

There is no doubt that grape pruning certainly gives a new lease of life to the grape plant. It makes the fruit juicy as well as healthy to eat. Pruning has become a crucial part of grape planting due to its numerous benefits as follows-

Makes the grapes disease free and ensures to get ripen fruit More production of qualitative fruit A short-time process Deliver unexpected healthy grapevines Power to ripen unregulated crops Provides balance to the whole grape planting process

The Training Techniques

Before the grape pruning activity, it is essential to choose among the training techniques available. These include-

The Cordon System- This is usually used for indoor and Pergola grapevines. It comprises of stable upright arms and yearly horizontal cropping shoots. In winter, all the laterals are pruned to two buds, and the head is pruned into the matured wood. Whereas in summer season, the non-fruiting laterals are cut to five leaves. After this, likewise prune fruiting laterals to two leaves. The Guyot System- This method is implemented for commercial grapevines. It consists of yearly changed horizontal arms and upright horizontal cropping shoots. In winters, for grape pruning the middle shoot to three strong buds, pull down the two exterior shoots. In summers, you need to get rid of side shoots by restricted vertical shoots.

Precautions While Pruning

The grape pruning process is a great tool for acquiring healthy fruit. In order to get well-maintained and sweet fruit, it is very important to take into account a number of precautions. These include-

Every year grape owners often use new canes for grapevine. In order to get healthy fruit, it is important to grow grapes on at least a year old cane. To get fruits in large amount, it is advised to carefully select the buds that are to be pruned. Avoid production of foliage after pruning as it leads to reduced sunlight. It is recommended to use handsaws, hand pruners, loppers, etc. for grape pruning.

The pruning process is a slow learning process and requires a great deal of dedication and hard work on the part of the grape pruners.

Chris Bowman is a grape growing expert. For more great tips on grape pruning and wine making visit http://www.overthegrapevine.com.