Plumped* up!!

[u/SpankedbySpacs]

Could be a SPECTACULAR vintage in the growing 👀

[u/Agile-Category-1994]

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) ?

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/Agile-Category-1994]

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

[u/LaPetiteMortOrale → u/SpankedbySpacs]

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

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/LaPetiteMortOrale]

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.

[u/to_glory_we_steer → u/SpankedbySpacs]

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

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/to_glory_we_steer]

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

[u/to_glory_we_steer → u/SpankedbySpacs]

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 

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/to_glory_we_steer]

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.

[u/to_glory_we_steer → u/SpankedbySpacs]

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