2008 Farm Log - 4/6/08

Pruning
Pruning was late. Should have finished by late February. Actually finished in the first few days in April. Am trying to reduce some of the canopy by spreading out the spurs on the cordons. Read somewhere that the Spurs should be at least a fist (4”-5”) apart. We’ll see if it allows more light to reach the fruit. Also, I noticed all the spurs on the younger vines that were pruned to the top of the cordon last year are now pointing straight down, the opposite of where they should be. I suspect the strong summer winds blew the spurs over as the weight of the fruit and canopy growth came onto the vine, the weight actually twisting the cordon causing the spurs to hang downward instead of standing upright on the cordon. Not too concerned, though, because the cordons of the more mature vines are now rigid enough to hold the spurs upright. The dangling spurs will be pruned off next year as new growth appears on the top of the vine.

Pruning so late, is causing the wounds to weep rather excessively, I believe.

Fertilizing
First application was done on March 30 immediately after pruning was complete. One full cup on each vine – about a half pound. (280 lbs on about 450 vines or 0.62 lbs. each). Did not apply fertilizer after harvest last years as I’m told I should. Too busy with other things.

Irrigation
Turned on the drippers for the first time as soon as the fertilizer was applied, around March 30. Fortunately, it has rained almost every day since so it hasn’t been needed again yet (April 6). I try to give each vine the equivalent of one gallon a day when it isn’t raining. I irrigate twice a week. Have to turn the valves on each row by hand and can irrigate six to eight rows at a time (72 – 86 vines). Am limited by the 3 hp, 4” submersed pump.

In February, we had a freeze that blew out 18 of 30 irrigation valves. I have one valve for each row. This happened because I had the valves closed which seals a small amount of water inside the ball of the ¾” ball-valves. This seemingly innocuous amount of water was enough to crack the brass sidewalls of the valves. Lesson learned: turn the water off at the main control by the pump and open each exposed valve out in the field to release the enclosed water. Cost of lesson: about $150.

Have also noticed that algae will build up during the rainy and dormant seasons when the irrigation system is not being used regularly. Upon opening the valve for the first time each spring, it’s wise to unscrew the plastic delivery tubing from the valve and give each a good flushing first. This breaks much of it loose and allows it to be discharged onto the ground instead of clogging the small screens in the tubing.

Incidental notes:

• Redbreasted Robins showed up April 1st.
• Also noticed the Bluebirds warbling for the first time on April 2nd. We have placed a few boxes on fence posts around the property in which they can nest.
• Crows are incessant and ever-present. They watch me and cry out warnings to their buddies when they see me coming, probably remembering the shotgun blasts that were used to try and frighten them off during harvest last summer.
• First leaves on the vines popped out almost exactly on April 1st.
  New Vines

Propagating New Vines

This year as I pruned I left some of the longer “runners” attached to the vine. Some nearly 16 feet long. I rolled them into “wreaths” and will half bury them in pots like I did two years ago or try using them for cuttings and try to get them to grow in pots. We’ll see. I have two remaining rows to fill with new plants and people have expressed interest in buying vines, so I’ll give it a try. Have to remember, it’s only a hobby.