Contrary to popular belief, grapes can be planted in the country. This theory has been proven by farmers currently growing grapes in Naivasha. To ensure a successful farming venture, use the best fertilizer for grapes, such as organic fertilizer and plant them on a sloping piece of land.
This is because sloping pieces of land reduce the chances of water lodge, which protects the roots. Vineyards should be grown in areas below 1000 feet elevation for commercial purposes. Though Grape fertilizer is essential, you have to consider other factors that will affect the productivity of your grape plantation.
Factors to Consider When Growing Grapes
Location
The grape variety you choose will determine the location it can be planted. Some varieties prefer low altitude areas, while others prefer high altitude areas. Also, it is crucial to understand the market needs of your fruits. For example, some grape varieties are suitable for making wines, while others are best for use as a fruit.
Another factor you need to consider is the amount of sunlight that will be exposed to the grapes. Grapes should be planted in areas with plenty of sunlight.
Air Flow
You need to consider the airflow levels of your farm. Your farm should have good air circulation to prevent funguses from attacking your plantation. One way to ensure good airflow is by ensuring that the grapes are not planted near trees, buildings, or bushes.
Pruning
One secret that most grape farmers do not know is that pruning is the key to having quality grapefruits. If you prune less, you will have more yield but more but fewer quality fruits. If you prune more, you will have fewer yields but more quality grapes. Again, this will depend on your target market.
Grapes Fertilizer Dose
When planting grapes, you need to have a grape fertilizer management strategy. This is because grapes require several nutrients for them to thrive. Some of the grapes fertilizer doses are:
Nitrogen
To know the amount of nitrogen to add, you will need to have a soil test done. This is because if you add too much nitrogen, there will be high growth rates resulting in the overproduction of shoots. Too many shoots will inhibit the growth of grapefruits, reducing yields.
Another effect of having too much nitrogen is that the acidic content in the fruit might be too high because of reduced sugar content. In addition, excess amounts of nitrogen encourage foliage growth, resulting in insufficient air circulation. The poor airflow will encourage the growth of fungus, which will reduce yields.
Similarly, if the nitrogen in the soil is low, there will be a low growth rate, and the fruit grapes will be small. Therefore, a balance is needed to ensure that the nitrogen content in the soil is not too high or too little. The only way you can tell this is by having a soil test done.
You can tell if your plantation is nitrogen deficient by looking at the leaves of the vines. If the lower leaves suffer from chlorosis, they are nitrogen deficient.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential because it increases the photosynthetic activity of the grapes. As a result, there is increased fertility and fruit set. Phosphorus deficiency can be caused by several factors, the most common being planting in acidic soil or soils with high PH levels.
You can know that there is phosphorus deficiency by observing the leaves. If the leaves have small red dots, they are phosphorus deficient.
Potassium
Potassium is essential because it promotes early maturity and helps increase grape yields. Potassium also increases the sugar content of grapes, increasing their commercial value. Like any other nutrient, potassium should not be excessively applied because it will cause a deficiency of other nutrients such as magnesium and zinc.
You can identify potassium deficiency by looking at the foliage. The grapes are potassium deficient if the foliage has peripheral and interveinal chlorosis.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps create a unique organoleptic characteristic of the grape variety planted. This is because it synthesizes sugar. Magnesium deficiency can be caused by factors such as growing in acidic soils or soils with high amounts of potassium.
The easiest way to know whether your plantation is magnesium deficient is by looking at whether or not they suffer from leaf margin necrosis.
Boron
Boron is crucial because it ensures the fruits have seeds and the vines have increased fruit yields. Boron deficiency causes chlorosis on young leaves and stunted berry growth.
Iron
Iron deficiency is expressed on young leaves, which tend to have interveinal chlorosis. The deficiency can be caused by planting in soils with high amounts of magnesium and copper. Similarly, the lack can be caused by growing in alkaline waterlogged soils.
Tips for Planting and Harvesting Grapes
To achieve optimal yields, you must follow the following tips:
- Choose a certified seed variety
- Plant in an area with full sunlight
- Only plant seed varieties that are suitable in your area
- Pruning must be carefully done so that there are no side shoots
- Plant in an open field for better aeration
- Have a soil test done
- Do not overfertilize your soil
- Identify the market needs of your product
