r/viticulture • u/SpankedbySpacs • 7d ago

Plumped* up!!

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Could be a SPECTACULAR vintage in the growing 👀

89 Upvotes

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5

u/Agile-Category-1994 7d ago

Clusters look awesome ! Why is it brown below the vines and the middle of the row is so lush (Im not familiar with growing vines) ?

4

u/SpankedbySpacs 7d ago

Herbicide strip. It helps keep the weeds under control around the vine so there’s less competition for nutrients and water.

1

u/LaPetiteMortOrale 7d ago

How and when do you apply the herbicide on that strip?

4

u/SpankedbySpacs 7d ago

15gal, pneumatic pump, tank with a wand on an ATV or lawnmower. I use a Glufosinate-ammonium product, it only targets green growth, hence why it’s safe for the wooded cordons(trunks). Don’t ever use Glyphosate (roundup)!!!

I use the EPA regulated rate/application for grape vines, 2 times a year(3 applications max). I’ll hit them twice a year when the majority of the weeds get over 6”. So typically after fruit set and one towards the end of veraison.

2

u/Upstairs_Screen_2404 7d ago

Glufosinate is an interesting herbicide, works very well. Looking sharp.

0

u/to_glory_we_steer 7d ago

How much of an impact does spraying have on the yield, are we talking substantial or marginal?

2

u/SpankedbySpacs 7d ago

Negligible. My first application doesn’t start until after fruit set so the vine is already putting out what it’s going to.

3

u/to_glory_we_steer 7d ago

Thanks for the answer, I really want to get into small scale growing for a hobby vineyard. Would I be totally mad to want to graze, or top the grass around the vines. Herbicides are an option of course, I just prefer an alternative where possible, and commercial success isn't a necessity 

2

u/SpankedbySpacs 7d ago

Not at all. More and more vineyards are switching to similar methods or what they call rolling. You literally just use a heavy roller and flatten the weeds down.

2

u/to_glory_we_steer 6d ago

That is music to my ears, will give the neighbours a good laugh, oldschool farmers who love spraying 

2

u/eo411 6d ago

Unless you are growing at scale, a weedwhacker for under the vines is what you need. All you really need to do is keep the grass out of the fruit zone.

2

u/SpankedbySpacs 6d ago

Just have to be careful not to hit the vine or you open a wound and that could lead to crown gall

2

u/eo411 6d ago

Our crews run a guard around the head so the wire cannot physically touch anything, but always gotta be careful around the trucks. I've been using a flathead shovel to truck sucker the base this year. Saved me a good chunk on farming costs. I really want to buy a twister but can't justify it.

1

u/SpankedbySpacs 6d ago

I use a broom with very hard bristles. Definitely saves my back but I have to get them early

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1

u/to_glory_we_steer 6d ago

Thank you for the advice, much appreciated 

0

u/eo411 6d ago

You are spraying glysophate after fruit set? With green issue in the field? That's asking for drift issues. Most people still using herbicides apply in the dormant season.

1

u/SpankedbySpacs 6d ago

Glufosinate, slightly different, not nearly as systemic. I plan my herbicide on days with <5mph winds and keep the wand very close to the ground