How Beginners Can Plant Grapes
Let me share with you some basic knowledge and tips on how beginners can plant grapes and the detailed grape cultivation management techniques for green plant maintenance. Let's learn more together.
Grapes are one of the most common and famous fruits originally from Western Asia, and are among the oldest tree species discovered. Grapes are not only edible but can also be made into raisins or wine. Moreover, their roots and vines can be used as medicine, which is beneficial for pregnant women to prevent morning sickness. Next, I will introduce some grape cultivation management techniques.
1. Temperature
Grapes prefer warm temperatures. They will bud when the temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius, so they are usually planted in spring. The optimal temperature range for the growth of new shoots is between 20-30 degrees Celsius, and the temperature should be maintained between 20-32 degrees Celsius during the fruit ripening period. Low temperatures or insufficient accumulated temperature during the growing period can affect the sugar content of the fruit.
2. Light
Grapes enjoy plenty of light, which can promote photosynthesis in the plants and ensure plant quality. It is necessary to maintain daily sunlight for more than 14 hours, and it should not be less than 12 hours, otherwise, it will be detrimental to flower bud differentiation and also affect fruit quality and the yield of the following year.
3. Water
Different growth stages of grapes have different water requirements; during the germination stage, humidity should reach 60%-80%; during the flowering stage, humidity should be at 50%, otherwise, it will lead to blossom and fruit drop; during the fruit ripening stage, humidity should be controlled between 55%-70%. Excessive humidity can cause fruit rot and affect fruit quality. Moreover, attention should be paid to drainage during the rainy season.
4. Soil
Grapes do not have high soil requirements and have strong adaptability. Whether it is sandy soil, loam, or clay, grapes can grow. The best pH range for the soil is between 6-7.5. It is best to choose sandy soil with higher terrain, good drainage, and loose texture for planting grapes.
5. Fertilization
Different growth stages have different fertilizer requirements, and the amount of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the fertility or infertility of the soil. In the early growth stage, the content of nitrogen fertilizer should be increased, in the middle stage, trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, and manganese can be added, and in the fruiting stage, the content of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased, while reducing the content of nitrogen fertilizers.
6. Pruning
Pruning includes removing unnecessary buds, pinching the growing tips, and determining the main branches. Removing unnecessary buds should be done early, during the germination stage, to reduce nutrient loss. When the fruiting branches can be distinguished, it's time to prepare for determining the main branches, which should be adjusted according to the growth of the variety. Pinching the growing tips should be done in the early flowering stage to minimize nutrient loss and increase fruit setting rate. Also, after harvesting the fruit, the old, weak, and diseased leaves should be pruned to reduce nutrient loss, improve lighting conditions for the plants, and promote fruiting in the following year.
7. Bagging
Bagging should be done after the fruit has set. Choose the appropriate specialized paper bags and prune first before bagging, removing diseased and deformed fruits and spraying some fungicides. Then, secure the bag with wire. The bags should be prepared to be removed half a month before the fruit ripens, by first opening the bag and then removing it a week later.
8. Diseases
Anthracnose, white rot, and downy mildew are the main diseases of grapes. The principle of preventing and treating diseases is to detect and treat early. Observe the growth of grapes frequently, and when some plants are found to be infected, treat them promptly. When these diseases are detected, immediately prune and burn the infected branches and leaves to prevent infection. Then, spray effective fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture or carbendazim on the fruit trees, and improve the growth environment by enhancing ventilation, drainage, and lighting conditions.
This article shares the comprehensive knowledge on how beginners can plant grapes and detailed grape cultivation management techniques, hoping it helps you.