Pruning Grapes. Establishment pruning Pruning mature vines Goal: to fill the trellis system as quickly as possible.

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1 Pruning Grapes Establishment pruning Pruning mature vines Goal: to fill the trellis system as quickly as possible.

2 Pruning Blueberries Goals: Remove older less productive wood Direct growth into new wood which is more fruitful. Better distribution of fruit buds by avoiding lots of short shoots with single buds.

3 Pruning Blueberries On young plants, remove short, spindly branches close to ground. Beginning about year 6 remove some of the oldest canes each year. Leave several of the new shoots from the crown each year. The goal is a bush with shoots that are a several different ages.

4 Fertilizers: Nutrients include: Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium Magnesium Sulfur Calcium Iron Manganese Boron Zinc Copper Molybdenum Soil Nutrients Pre-plant fertilization Extra nitrogen applications Fertilizing at renovation Fertilizing day neutrals

5 Blueberries Fertilization Blueberries need ammonium nitrogen for growth and potash when fruiting. Apply Ammonium Sulfate if soil ph is more than 5. Apply Urea at half rate if soil ph is 5 or less. For complete fertilizers use acidifying fertilizers such as Miracid,, look for nutrient ratios such as

6 Fertilizing Blueberries 1st year 1 oz/plant 2nd & 3rd years 2 oz/plant 4th & 5th years 3 oz/plant 6th & 7th year 4 oz/plant 8th & 9th year 5 oz/plant Maintain 12 inches of new shoot growth. Split applications before and after bloom Do not fertilize after June.

7 Sample and have soil tested. Testing frequency: every years Recommendations without a soil test: Apply lbs/100 ft. row using weeks after planting. Fertility

8 Fertility Sidedress 3-4 to side (avoid direct contact with canes) Timing: Early spring before leaf or cane growth. Third and future years increase amount to lbs. Rates may need to be adjusted adjusted depending on growth.

9 The purpose Timing Fertilization Year 1: 2 lbs/1000 sq ft N in early Sept. Renovation Year 2: 3 lbs/ 1000 immediately after fruiting and ¾ lb in Sept. Irrigation Row thinning to Application of broadleaf herbicide before August 1 st Life of planting

10 Water Management Plant Growth is Dependent on Water. Shoot Growth Fruit Growth Fruit Set for Next Year

11 Systems: Overhead Trickle ( hard plastic lines with headers etc.) Drip hoses (rubber) Things to Consider: Water source & quality Amount needed - example to deliver 1 of water = 62 gallons/100 ft of row Soil type (infiltration rate, water holding capacity, etc) Cost

12 Water Holding Capacity of Various Soils The ability of the soil to absorb and hold water, expressed in inches of water per vertical foot of soil. Soil Texture Sand Sandy Loam Loam in/in In/ft

13 Why is weed control necessary? Eliminating perennial weeds before planting. If using herbicides, tissue cultured plants are more sensitive than rooted cuttings. (2 to 3 seasons) Mulching and it s limitations. Weed Management

14 Weed Management Primary weed control options: Rotation Cultivation Hand weeding and hoeing Mulching Herbicides Geese? Other cultural practices

15 Benefits of Mulching Improved shoot and root growth Moisture conservation and increased water holding capacity Materials: Softwood sawdust, wood chips, bark, straw, anything organic, compost Application: 2-5 thick 2-4 wide Replenish every 2 to 3 years

16 Frost Protection

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18 Wheat straw is most commonly used Oat and barley straw decompose too quickly. Goal: prevent desiccation of crown and hold snow in place. Application time: Usually late November (after several frosts and leaves are flattened) Delaying application until just before the ground freezes results in the highest yields Amount: about bales/1000 sq ft (4-5 deep) Remove (to in between rows) early spring (late March to April.) Mulching in late fall

19 Early Spring Temperatures Row covers are a synthetic spun-bonded material. Uses include accelerating harvest (2 weeks early cultivars. Extends harvest up to 6 weeks. Yield increases Minimal winter protection Especially on raised bed in colder climates and Row Covers

20 Row cover vs winter mulch Best protection is in early spring. Cover may be placed over strawberries in March or after snow has melted except in unusually cold years. Can irrigate over cover for frost protection. Row cover & pollination TPB damage is decreased, but clippers can be a problem.