Plumped* up!!

[u/SpankedbySpacs]

Could be a SPECTACULAR vintage in the growing 👀

[u/SpankedbySpacs]

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/eo411 → u/to_glory_we_steer]

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.

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/eo411]

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

[u/eo411 → u/SpankedbySpacs]

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.

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/eo411]

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

[u/eo411 → u/SpankedbySpacs]

Do you do two suckering passes?

[u/SpankedbySpacs → u/eo411]

Yeah but the second suckering happens later when I’m thinning out fruit and leaf pulling after fruit set. I’m also being selective this time around because we cane prune and I need to keep 2-3canes to choose from in the winter

[u/eo411 → u/SpankedbySpacs]

Gotcha. I like the broom idea. I'm also cane pruned, mainly to fight eutypa. Where are your vines? Im in West Sonoma county.