Fall Pruning
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Pruning the grapevines in the fall is a key step in preparing the plants for the winter. The vines must be in a dormant state before they are pruned. This occurs around the end of October or early November and is indicated by the leaves turning yellow or brown and falling off.
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Alex recommends remove about 85-90% of the current year’s growth. A good rule of thumb is to cut the canes back to just above the 2nd bud of the current year’s growth. These 2 remaining buds will grow in the spring. Each plant trunk can have multiple arms coming off of it and it is necessary to prune back each arm to the 2 buds.
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This is now a great time to clip cuttings!
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Winter Preparation for Grapevines
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Add Compost
Once pruning is finished, apply a generous layer of compost around the base of each grapevine. This helps nourish the soil and supports healthy root development throughout the winter. -
Lay Down the Vines for Protection
To shield the vines from harsh winter conditions, gently bend each vine and secure it to a low wire in your support system, about 6 inches above the ground. Take care not to break or damage the vines during this process. If needed, use a heavy object such as a brick to keep the vines in place. -
Insulate with Snow
A thick covering of snow over the vines provides essential insulation against cold temperatures. If necessary, shovel snow from other areas of your yard to increase the snow depth over the plants. -
Maintain the Laid-Down Position Until Spring
Leave the vines in their protected, horizontal position until approximately the second week of April. This timing helps ensure the plants are not exposed to late frosts. -
Restore Upright Support
When spring arrives and the risk of frost has passed, carefully untie the vines from their winter position and retie them to the upright supports.
