Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Row spacing is important to ensure that the vines do not shade those in adjacent
rows.
→ Know your azimuth! The direction the sun moves over your vineyard during the
growing season will allow you to determine how to orient the rows in your vine-
yard. The further north you are, the more important this becomes. Throughout
North America, south-facing slopes will receive more direct sunlight than any other
exposure. The next best are west-facing slopes, which receive afternoon sun. East-
facing slopes get more sun in the morning. One exception here is that in very high-
temperature areas you may want to run rows east-west to prevent sun burning the
grapes, particularly in the afternoon.
→ Do not plant a vineyard in a spot that is exposed to severe winds. Strong or steady
winds can desiccate plants and cause soil erosion. If necessary, install windbreaks
to moderate the effects of wind; this may be a tall hedge, a fence, or trees. Wind-
breaks should not be solid, but allow some air to pass through.
→ Slopes are not necessarily bad for vineyards, but grapevines planted on a slope can
be more difficult to care for, especially with mechanical equipment such as tractors
or mowers. Also, vines planted lower down on the slope can be subject to colder
air that naturally flows down into a hollow. You may also need to consider erosion
control. If your property slopes steeply, get advice from a vineyard consultant be-
fore planting.
→ Water is an essential element for a successful vineyard, particularly in arid cli-
mates. If you have a backyard, chances are you have convenient access to water.
One thing about vines is that they need much less water than traditional landscap-
ing. If you are used to a suburban yard with a lawn and landscaping, you may be
tempted to water the vineyard more than necessary. This is unwise, as too much wa-
ter in the vineyard can cause as many problems as too little water.
Tips for Late-Frost Climates
Frost occurs when the temperature drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C). Frost damages
young growth and buds so if you live in an area that receives occasional late frosts, you can
reduce the potential for frost damage in an orchard or vineyard with the practices outlined
here. If you do not know your average frost dates, contact your local extension service or
your local Environment Canada office.
