Welcoming new grapevines into your vineyard is an exciting milestone, but it requires careful preparation for their safe arrival and successful planting.
The first step is ensuring proper storage and handling. Arrange a dark, 4°C cold storage room to maintain vine quality before planting and transfer the vines promptly upon delivery to preserve dormancy and prevent premature awakening.
Next, consider pre-planting methodology. Consult with vine nurseries in France or Germany for expert advice on optimal handling and planting technique. Site preparation is equally crucial. Ensure the planting site is well-drained, sub-soiled, fertilised, and free of weeds, establishing a seed bed of at least 30cm. For larger vineyards, consider machine planting to maximise efficiency and minimise time spent marking out the ground.
Lastly, consider how you plan to protect the young vines once they are planted. Vine guards or shelters offer numerous benefits, including protection against mammals, weather damage and herbicide drift. Additionally, they create a micro-climate that reduces evapotranspiration and accelerates trunk growth. Vine guards now come in a variety of materials like carton paperboard and polypropylene, each with distinct advantages and considerations. Avoid shelter reuse to prevent fungal spore spread and ensure effective UV protection. Some suppliers, like Tubex, offer a vine guard recycling service to responsibly dispose of old shelters.
By meticulously planning and executing these steps, you’ll provide your new grapevines with optimal conditions for growth, setting the stage for a successful future in your thriving UK vineyard.
TO DO LIST
Before the Vines Arrive:
- Organise a suitable cold storage facility maintained at around 4°C to preserve vine quality.
Site Management:
- Prepare the planting site by ensuring it’s well-drained, sub-soiled, fertilised, weed-free, and with a 30cm seed bed.
Planting Method:
- Decide whether to plant by hand or use a machine based on vineyard size and efficiency considerations. Be vigilant about challenges, like open trenches or polished walls, that can affect planting quality and root development, and should be avoided where possible.
- Source appropriate vine guards or shelters to protect the young vines against mammals, weather damage and herbicide drift.
Chris Buckley is the Business Director at VineWorks.