I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
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Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
The grapes are reaching full size on some bunches but a test squeeze revealed a very firm touch.
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Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
Good news. Some grapes are ready to pick . Bad news, but only some of them. The ones in the photo are ripe and plump but other bunches are still at the hard,green and bitter stage.
Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
They've benefited from a once-in-forty-two-years viticultural season . 2018 = a Good Year.
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Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
Today was the day the vine was settled down for the winter. Most of this year's growth was pruned back and it will now be dormant until late April or early May.
Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
Tucked up for the winter. Roll on next spring !!
By the by: how went the plum crop, Jacksparrow ?
By the by: how went the plum crop, Jacksparrow ?
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Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
Best described as moderate. Better than last year but nowhere near the cropping level of a few years ago. Because of my reluctance to introduce any kind of insecticides I am losing more of the crop to pests in particular grubs in the plums and aphids causing leaf curl in the foliage. I have taken drastic action and given the tree a heavy prune meaning it will take a year or two to recover. My expectations for the 2020 crop are very low.
PS It was either a heavy prune or get rid of the tree completely but I couldn't bring myself to do the latter as the tree was a birfday prezzy from number 2 daughter.
Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
Very understandable, not ditching a problem plant, 'cos of, well, 'reasons' . Sad when it happens.
PS.: Will put the HB distillery on Hold 'til the plums are back on stream.
PS.: Will put the HB distillery on Hold 'til the plums are back on stream.
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Re: I SAW IT ON THE GRAPEVINE
This year's grape crop can be described as moderate but the extreme heat of the last few weeks has meant some of them are edible already. This is only the second year since I've had the vine(25 years) that grapes have been ready to eat in August and I think this year is the earliest so far. The last time was 2005 I think.
Grape vines are unaffected by drought as they have very deep tap roots which find moisture in the driest of years.
Grape vines are unaffected by drought as they have very deep tap roots which find moisture in the driest of years.