Content
Grapes are very fond of warm climates. This plant is poorly adapted to cold regions. Its upper part does not tolerate even minor temperature fluctuations. A frost of -1 ° C can have a very negative effect on the further growth of grapes. But there are cold-resistant varieties that may not suffer even in very severe frosts. But they also need proper care and shelter. In this article, we will look at how to cover grapes for the winter in Siberia.
Why you need shelter
Cold-hardy grape varieties with dormant buds can withstand a fairly severe frost (down to -30 ° C). But even such plants are very sensitive to low temperatures in spring, when frosts return. At this time, blossoming buds need warmth and a comfortable temperature regime. Young bushes that have not yet hardened are no less sensitive to frost.
Grapes are sensitive not only to frost, but also to temperature fluctuations. When it gets a little warmer outside, the vine relaxes and, accordingly, weakens the hardening. At this time, even a slight decrease in temperature can destroy a weak plant.
If the soil freezes to -20 ° C, then the plant may simply not survive. This applies even to the varieties most adapted to the Siberian frosts. Therefore, it is very important to protect grapes from such dangers. For this, experienced gardeners cover their bushes for the winter.
When to shelter grapes in Siberia
It is necessary to build a shelter for grapes as soon as frosts begin. Usually this time occurs in the last week of September or early October. Bushes need to provide not only reliable protection from frost, but also the necessary hardening. For this, the grapes are provided with temporary shelter:
- The grape bush must be pruned.
- After that, a trench is dug.
- Then the soil is mulched in the trench.
- All shoots are tied up and placed on the bottom.
- From above, the trench is covered with polyethylene or other covering material.
Such a shelter will prevent the plant from suffering from frost. In addition, the grapes will be able to calmly accumulate the necessary sugar during wintering and undergo hardening. For this, the plant will need 1 or 1.5 months.
How to cover the bushes for the winter
To protect the grapes from frost in winter, several types of material can be used. The root system is best protected by mulch. For this, needles, peat and sawdust are used. Also, some people use grain hulls.
To insulate the ground, a wooden board, cardboard sheet, ordinary earth, or reed mats are also perfect. Now on sale there are many other equally suitable materials for thermal insulation. If you need to protect the plant from melt water in spring or simply from moisture, roofing material or ordinary polyethylene can be used.
How to properly cover grapes for the winter
In Siberia, there are 2 main ways to cover bushes for the winter. The first one is called "dry". This method allows you to create the desired microclimate in which the plant will feel comfortable. In addition, in this case, the risk of podoprevanie formed kidneys is minimized.
The connected vine must be wrapped with polyethylene or roofing felt. Thanks to this, it will not come into contact with the ground.Then the prepared vine is laid at the bottom of the trench and fixed with special metal brackets. You can also use wooden hooks.
Arcs need to be installed on top of the trench. Then a special corrugated cardboard is laid on them. From above, this material is covered with polyethylene in order to additionally protect the structure from moisture. Instead of corrugated board, you can put wooden boards.
The second method is used more often, since it is easier and does not require specially prepared materials. In this case, the bushes are covered with soil and snow. This method has shown itself very well. Plants are kept in excellent condition until spring. For this, the trench with branches must be covered with soil at least 30 cm high.
To prevent the plant from getting pushed up during the winter, you need to pre-treat the bush with a solution of lime, dry it and only then cover it with polyethylene. Any material is spread on top of the ground that will not allow liquid to seep inside. From above, the shelter is covered with the remains of plants and branches.
You can open grapes only in April, if the frost has completely passed. It needs to be dried and only put back in the trench. When it finally gets warmer, it will be possible to get the vine out of the trench and attach it to the trellises. This must be done carefully, since the kidneys at this stage are very delicate.
Conclusion
You should now be able to properly prepare your grapes for winter. And no Siberian frost is terrible for the future harvest.
