Well, just in after pruning the vineyard and thought I should post an update while it’s fresh in my mind. Things were pretty much where I left them last fall, although I am a little concerned about winterkill of a couple vines - but it’s nothing too bad. We had a pretty good (cold, somewhat snowy) winter. Here’s what I got done today:

• Pruned all vines
• Saved a few cuttings for propogation
• Raked up cuttings and dead plant matter and removed from vineyard
• Took notes by variety on what each variety will need this season
• Took notes on what needs to be done to all vines in the vineyard this season

I’m trying to come up with a theme for the season - not sure yet what that will be.

I’ve entered my notes below…nothing too interesting as it’s more for helping my memory.

Valiants

• Remove vines R1-VT3, R1-VT4, R1-VT6
• Replace R1-VT6 with nursery vine growing at end of row

Prairie Stars

• Grow 4 cuttings
• If cuttings take root in time, plant them in their permanent locations, otherwise set them up in the nursery
• Might be a little bit of winterkill, only time will tell

Frontenac

• Keep an eye on R3-FT1 - is it dead? If so, it can be replaced with nursery vine from end of row.
• Grow a few cuttings - could be planted in first four spots of R1

Marquette

• These vines just need care - weeding, fertilizing and watering
• Need to get them well-established

Marechal Foch

• Cleanup
• Watch for dead/dying vines

Sabrevois

• Cleanup
• Watch for dead/dying vines

There are a few things that apply to all vines:

• Keep weeds at bay
• Fertilize
• Water weekly (as needed)
• Foliar fertilizing (think Miracle-Gro)

Well, that should keep me busy for a while. I haven’t seen a comment in quite some time, please feel free to add one to this post. I’d love to hear what others have to say.