The first few months as a new grower can be the most nerve-wracking time of vineyard management. Everything is brand new and a little intimidating. Even a bug on a plant can be enough to raise an alarm because you simply don’t know if it’s going to ravage your vineyard or not. Viticulture consultant, Mark Chien joins me today to talk about surviving and thriving in the first few months after vine planting.
In this episode, we discuss the actions to take in the first few months after planting your vineyard. We go over what to watch out for with the health of your new vines, vine training and trellising in new vineyards, protecting young vines from insects, animal pests, and weed competition.
Whether you are a seasoned grower or just starting out, Mark provides valuable tips for all growers.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The important considerations during the first three months after planting a new vineyard
- How important robust root establishment is for the future growth of the vines
- What the best practices are for vine training and trellising in new vineyards
- How soil, water availability, and nutrient levels impact early vineyard growth
- What strategies growers should employ to balance vine vigor
- The effective defense strategies against pests, like invasive weeds and deer
- How new growers can protect young vines from environmental threats and ensure healthy development
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Episode Resources:
Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard to register for the FREE Essentials of Young Vineyard Management sip and learn event on May 20th or to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course. Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Mark Chien is currently a private viticulture consultant in New Jersy, Pennsylvania, and Maryland following his extensive career in the wine industry with highlights including working as the vineyard manager for the world-class Temperance Hill vineyard, becoming the first wine grape extension educator for Penn State, and serving as the program coordinator for Oregon Wine Research Institute.
Connect with – marklchien@outlook.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
