Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheep and goats make good weed-control devices. Although a goat can clear
weeds pre-planting, I prefer to let only sheep into the vineyard once it is planted.
They will take care of the weeds but leave the dormant vines alone.
FENCING ISSUES
If deer roam near your property, you can be sure that they will be pests in the vineyard.
The single best solution for deer is to build a fence to keep them out, and the time to do this
is before you plant. Although wire fencing is the best and most durable, a cheaper option is
a polypropylene mesh fence. Whatever fencing material you use, a deer fence should be at
least 7 feet high.
In some neighborhoods, there is a limit on how high you can build a fence, but you
may be able to top a wooden or chain link fence with a row or two of wires.
PREPARING THE SOIL
Good soil preparation is essential for the vineyard. If you have done a soil test and it
indicated that you have a nutrient deficiency or pH that is too high or low, you will need
to amend the soil before planting, according to the recommendations from the soil test.
These recommendations will tell you how much amendment to dig into the soil by area.
You might also want to dig in some rotted manure or compost the fall before planting, even
if your soil has no deficiencies.
In general, the best time to apply amendments is in the fall or in the early spring when
the ground is easiest to turn over. Spread the amendment, manure, or compost, and then
rototill or disc over the ground to no more than 4 to 6 inches deep. Cover crops like fava
beans and other legumes should then be planted so that winter and spring rains can estab-
lish them.
