Memorial Day progress report

Petit verdot flowers.

Petit manseng fruit set!

I am patrolling regularly, watching for powdery mildew and downy mildew (as well as crushing bugs). So far, the clusters are forming nicely, and reassuring that my spray regimen has been adequate thus far. The most recent trellis wire addition was placed May 14th, with the assistance of my father. One more level of wire to go!

Six week old petit verdot bushes. 

Glyphosate (Round-Up) is used to decrease competition at the base of the vines. You must have a steady hand and sure aim! Meticulous work is performed to maintain great airflow, which decreases fungal pressure.

This picture illustrates the light-capturing ability of the grape vines.

A beautiful vista is a perk, but not the ultimate goal. A pretty landscape with mediocre fruit would be quite frustrating. I have plenty to learn, but it is a fun process.

Fast growth. Slow trellis.

We now have a second level of trellis wire. As you can see, we could not wait any longer. The slowest trellis build ever is being prompted by vine rapid growth.

The petit verdot is immediately ready to be secured at the second level with c-clips. I continue to thin out the shoots, trying to maintain 4 to 5 shoots per foot.

Petit manseng grapes in development. Pre-bloom.

First wire, thanks to Jenny

Finally. I have been looking forward to installing my permanent trellis wire for two years. This delay was forced, since my far end posts were not placed until this spring. The spinning jenny fed the wire as I pulled. Subsequently, vines were tied and lightly shoot thinned. I will install more levels soon.