Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Grapevines planted in rows on a trellis work to your advantage in several ways. First,
you have a structure on which you can train your vines to grow in a particular way. This
structure allows you to observe the growth of your vines and readily spot any problems or
pests. The trellis also allows for easy maintenance, and you can customize it to the height
of those who will be doing the most work in the vineyard. Finally, straight rows are the
ideal layout for using any kind of mechanical equipment in the vineyard, such as a mower
or tractor.
It's not just for your benefit that you need a properly planned and trellised vineyard.
Your grapes also benefit. A trellis with an irrigation system makes it possible to provide
even and consistent watering and fertilization, which promotes healthy growth. And per-
haps most importantly, the vertical trellis is the vehicle that allows the sun to reach the
leaves, which is essential for producing good fruit.
Vines planted on a trellis system are more productive and easier to care for than
those simply planted in the ground with no support.
Making Wine
First you probably want to know how much wine you can expect to make from your
vineyard. Although it's true that even a small suburban lot can house a vineyard, there is
not much point in going to the trouble and expense of constructing one if it will not pro-
duce enough fruit to meet your needs. The table provides a basic idea of how much land
