Content
Grapes love warm climates. This plant is poorly adapted to cold regions. Its upper part does not tolerate even minor temperature fluctuations. Frost of -1°C can have a very bad effect on the further growth of grapes. But there are also cold-resistant varieties that may not be damaged even in very severe frosts. But they also need proper care and shelter. In this article we will look at, how to cover grapes for the winter in Siberia.
Why do you need shelter?
Cold-resistant grape varieties, the buds of which are in a dormant period, can withstand quite severe frost (down to -30°C). But even such plants are very sensitive to low temperatures in the spring, when frost returns. At this time, the blossoming buds need warmth and a comfortable temperature. Young bushes that have not yet had time to harden are no less sensitive to frost.
Grapes are sensitive not only to frost, but also to temperature changes. When it gets a little warmer outside, the vine relaxes and accordingly weakens the hardening. At this time, even a slight decrease in temperature can destroy a weak plant.
If the soil freezes to -20°C, the plant may simply not survive.This applies even to the varieties most adapted to Siberian frosts. Therefore, it is very important to protect grapes from such dangers. To do this, experienced gardeners cover their bushes for the winter.
When to cover grapes in Siberia
You need to build a shelter for grapes as soon as frosts begin. This time usually occurs in the last week of September or early October. The bushes need to be provided not only with reliable protection from frost, but also with the necessary hardening. To do this, the grapes are provided with temporary shelter:
- The vine bush needs to be pruned.
- After this, a trench is dug.
- Then the soil in the trench is mulched.
- All shoots are tied and placed on the bottom.
- The top of the trench is covered with polyethylene or other covering material.
Such shelter will prevent the plant from suffering from frost. In addition, the grapes will be able to easily accumulate the necessary sugar during wintering and undergo hardening. For this, the plant will need 1 or 1.5 months.
How to cover bushes for the winter
To protect grapes from frost in winter, several types of material can be used. The root system is best protected by mulch. For this, pine needles, peat and sawdust are used. Some also use grain husks.
To insulate the ground, a wooden shield, a cardboard sheet, ordinary earth or reed mats are also perfect. Now there are many other equally suitable materials for thermal insulation on sale. If you need to protect the plant from melt water in the spring or simply from moisture, you can use roofing felt or ordinary polyethylene.
How to properly cover grapes for the winter
In Siberia, there are 2 main ways to cover bushes for the winter. The first of them is called “dry”. This method allows you to create the desired microclimate in which the plant will feel comfortable. In addition, in this case, the risk of the formed buds becoming overheated is minimized.
The tied vine must be wrapped in polyethylene or roofing felt. Thanks to this, it will not come into contact with the ground. Then the prepared vine is laid on the bottom of the trench and secured with special metal brackets. You can also use wooden hooks.
Arcs need to be installed on top of the trench. Then special corrugated cardboard is laid on them. This material is covered with polyethylene on top to further protect the structure from moisture. Instead of corrugated cardboard, you can use wooden panels.
The second method is used more often, since it is easier and does not require specially prepared materials. In this case, the bushes are covered with soil and snow. This method has worked very well. Plants remain in excellent condition until spring. To do this, the trench with branches must be filled with soil at least 30 cm high.
To prevent the plant from rotting during the winter, you need to first treat the bush with a lime solution, dry it and only then cover it with polyethylene. Any material is spread on top of the ground that will prevent liquid from seeping inside. The top of the shelter is covered with plant remains and branches.
You can open grapes only in April, if the frosts have completely passed. It needs to be dried and just put back in the trench. When it finally gets warmer, it will be possible to take the vines out of the trench and attach them to trellises. This must be done carefully, since the kidneys at this stage are very delicate.
Conclusion
Now you can properly prepare your grapes for winter. And no Siberian frost is dangerous for the future harvest.
