How to get a plentiful harvest: summer grape pruning technology

To have a consistently abundant and flavorful harvest, you need to learn how to properly prune grapes in the summer months. SSPDaily spoke about the intricacies of this procedure.

Benefits of summer pruning

If you prune grapes in the summer, you will increase the penetration of sunlight and improve air circulation among the vines. This will strengthen the plant's immunity and reduce its susceptibility to disease. In addition, you will improve the circulation of the necessary juices inside the grapes, which will also contribute to their better growth.

Pruning during the fruiting period

The pruning period for grapes is from June to September, which is the fruiting season. The main task at this stage is to provide the ripening clusters with optimal access to light and air. As a result, the ripening process will be accelerated and the harvest will be sweeter and juicier.

Recommendations for pruning grapes in summer

• Tools needed

Prepare sharp garden shears, pruning shears, or specialized grape knifes. Remember that a dull blade can damage the vines.

• Initial pruning

First, you need to get rid of the three lowest shoots, as well as of all weak and diseased shoots.

• Removal of green shoots in July

During July, you should pinch off the tender green side shoots growing from the apical buds. They should be cut off, leaving no more than two lower leaves.

• Pruning during the fruiting phase

After the fruiting phase, keep an eye on the inflorescence. In the first year, no more than 10 of the strongest inflorescences should remain on the vine, in the second year - 20, in the third - 30, and so on. Ideally, each fruit branch should have no more than two clusters. This approach guarantees an even distribution of nutrients for balanced berry ripening.

Thinning out leaves and removing side shoots in July and August

Leaves that create shade on the bunches should be carefully trimmed to ensure that the ripening berries have access to sunlight. At the same time, you should continue to remove side shoots.

If the height of your plant exceeds 2 meters, then you need to mint. "Empty" and unnecessary shoots should be shortened by 50%, and fruit shoots by about 30-40 cm.