Kак да извършим засаждането на лозите

Planting time

The planting of vines can be carried out in autumn and in spring. It has been established that autumn planting ensures a higher rate of establishment and stronger growth of the vines during the first year. Spring planting is considered the more common practice in our country. It is best carried out in the second half of March and the beginning of April, as soon as work in the field becomes possible.

Preparation of vines for planting

Before planting, the roots of the vines are soaked in water for one to two days in order to freshen them. This operation is mandatory when planting is carried out in spring. The preparation of vines for planting is done as follows:

- all well-developed roots located at the base of the rootstock are preserved;

- the roots are pruned to a length of 6 to 8 cm;

- injured and damaged roots are removed down to healthy tissue;

- all roots that have developed from the upper nodes are removed down to the base;

- the cane that has developed from the scion is cut back to 2 visible buds (eyes);

- if more than one cane has sprouted, the stronger one with better position is selected and the others are removed;

If it is not possible to plant the purchased vines immediately, they can be stored temporarily in a cellar at a temperature that does not fall below 0°C. The root system is covered with moist, clean river sand, which must be periodically moistened. If sand is not available, the roots may be covered with moist soil.

Methods of planting

Vine planting can be carried out in several ways: in planting holes, with a planting dibble, with a hydro-drill, by opening furrows, with a planting machine, etc.

Planting in holes is the most widespread method in our country. It ensures very good establishment of the vines. The digging of the planting holes is carried out as follows:

Preparation of the vine for planting

Preparation of the vine for planting

Fig. 1 Vine with more than one developed shoot

2.1.  vine before pruning

2.2.  vine after it has been prepared for planting

- the planting hole is dug at the place marked with the marker wire, using a spade, to a depth of 40 cm and a width of 25–30 cm;

- at the bottom of the planting hole it is advisable to apply 1–2 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure, previously mixed with friable soil;

- the young vine is placed in the planting hole so that the roots lie on the previously prepared bottom of the hole;

- the hole is filled with soil up to its middle, which is then firmly compacted, after which 5–6 litres of water are applied into the hole;

- after the water has infiltrated, the hole is filled with soil up to the top edge and again compacted well;

- a marker is driven into the soil right next to the vine to indicate the location of the spur of the planted vine;

- it is important that, when placing the vine in the hole, the graft union is positioned at the level of the soil surface;

- a mound of friable soil is formed over the planted vine, which in the case of spring planting covers the spur with a soil layer of 5–6 cm, and in the case of autumn planting – of 25–30 cm;

Planting in a hole

Care of vines after planting

- It is a mandatory requirement that during the growing season the mounds are not uncovered. On heavier soils, sand may be sprinkled directly around the spur, or the mound may be sanded on top to prevent the formation of a thick crust.

- During the growing season the new shoots emerge through the formed soil mound. When a crust forms on the mound after rain, it is loosened, and when it settles, it is restored.

- When the shoots reach 25–30 cm, the mounds are opened and the adventitious roots are removed, after which the mounds are restored again.

- Where necessary, mechanical or chemical control of wireworms and grey grubs is carried out.

- Young vines are not desuckered, pinched or disbudded, as a reduction in leaf area weakens them.

- At the beginning of September the mounds are opened so that the base of the shoot can mature, and they are rebuilt again before the onset of cold weather.

- It is preferable that pruning of one-year-old vines be carried out in the spring of the second year.