Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
water stress on the shoots. In the second year of growth, make sure that the vines' roots are
not sitting in wet soil.
Root growth and shoot growth are interrelated. Remember that your plants have had
two seasons of root growth. Depending on when you planted last year, your roots have
grown down 4 to 8 inches, possibly more, into the soil down so they are firmly set in the
ground and pulling their own moisture from the bottom of their little roots.
In medium heat areas with low summer rain, water the vines every third day for one
hour in early to midsummer. If it gets really hot and dry for three or more days, give the
vines a deeper watering, which could be two hours instead of one. After midsummer, water
every five days for two hours.
Again, depending on your climate and soil, use some judgment about how much to
water. In hotter and drier climates, start irrigating two to three weeks earlier and increase
the amount of water by 25 to 40 percent. In cooler climates, start two to three weeks later
and decrease the amount of water by 25 to 40 percent. Naturally you will not water during
rainy periods and at leaf fall.