Gartering grapes: why to do it, garter methods

Cultivated grapes are grown not only in the southern regions of the country, but also in the central zone of Russia, beyond the Urals, and in the European North. Agricultural technology includes a standard set of techniques, including tying up bushes.

This heat-loving plant is a vine and grows vigorously in its natural habitat without shaping. Untrellised, long vines cannot hold themselves upright, falling to the ground and producing small clusters and poor-quality berries. In orchards, grapes are tied to supports, the bushes are trained, and the load on the vines is controlled.

Why and for what purpose should you tie up grape vines?

Fast-growing vines require support, otherwise they will become entangled with nearby buildings, trees, and shrubs. Additionally, staking provides:

• ventilation of grape plantations;
• good lighting;
• high-quality pollination.

Well-maintained, staked plantings look attractive; the maturing clusters are not obscured by foliage or branches. Flower stalks are better pollinated, and the vines bear fruit faster. Without support, vines lie flat on the ground, are more susceptible to disease, and rot and die after rain.

It has been proven in practice that yield of bushes, grown on special supports, are higher than plants without trellises.

Timing, stages, and methods of tying up grapes

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When cultivating grapes, it's important to adhere to the timing of the procedures, otherwise any method will be ineffective. Grapevines are tied to trellises in spring and early summer; the exact timing depends on the weather and climate conditions in the area.
Stages:

• Stage 1 – after removing winter coverings from the vines, before the buds have opened;
• Stage 2 – when the green shoots of the crop grow to 30-40 cm.

Immediately after wintering, dry shoots are used, hence the name "dry garter." In contrast, green garter is used with mature vines that require protection from wind and rain.

As soon as fruit clusters are formed on the plants, all manipulations are stopped.

Dry garter: features

Posts are installed in the vineyard plots, and wire is stretched between them. Grape vines are secured to the lower horizontal wire. Weak, diseased branches are trimmed from the vines before tying them up.

If there are a large number of vines, it's permissible to attach some branches to the second tier. Attach them horizontally, and only the previous season's shoots are tied vertically. This procedure must be completed before the buds open, otherwise there's a high risk of breaking off the buds. This arrangement ensures that all emerging buds on the branches receive uniform light, will grow faster, and form new fruiting vines.

Once the work is complete, apply fertilizer under each bush. Any complex fertilizer will do, applying 1 tablespoon per plant. Dig the soil, leaving a small hole near the base of the bush to collect rainwater.

Green grape garter: features

The shoots are secured differently when using green staking. Unlike the dry method, this involves growing branches. Without staking, they grow in different directions, spreading along the ground, creating a denser planting. There is a risk of the bushes breaking in wind and rain.

The vines are tied vertically at right angles, maintaining space between the wires. The green branches are carefully secured to the wire ties with cotton ribbons.

During the season, shoots are tied up at the following stages:

• before the flower stalks bloom;
• immediately after the first ovaries appear on the grapes.

Additional fastening is required if strong winds constantly blow in the summer and there is prolonged precipitation.

Grapevine supports

Traditionally, grapevines are grown using simple structures called trellises. The structure of these structures:

• vertical posts at the edges of the rows;
• crossbars between the posts along the entire length of the row.

The crossbars are made of wooden slats and galvanized wire. The number of rows between the posts is determined by the grape variety being grown. Plants with long, vigorous vines require 4-5 rows, while dwarf varieties only need 2-3 strands of wire.

The vertical supports are 2-2.5 meters high, with a distance of 3 meters between them. The first row of wire is stretched 40-50 cm above the ground, with subsequent rows spaced approximately the same distance apart.

Vertical posts are made of metal or wood. Choose durable, long-lasting wood:

• acacia;
• alder;
• oak;
• poplar.

The wood of these species rots less, therefore the service life of the structure increases.

Metal posts, due to their strength and reliability, are more popular than other supports. Posts or pipes with a diameter of at least 12-14 cm are selected, as thinner structures cannot support the weight of large grape vines. In addition to wood and metal, posts are also made of reinforced concrete and asbestos cement. They are buried to a depth of 40 to 60 cm.

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The vines are secured to the wire using ties made of fabric, nylon stockings, or fibrous materials (kenaf). These ties do not damage the vines, but they hold the branches firmly to the wire. Twine or synthetic cords are not recommended, as they fray the shoots and damage the bark and internal tissues.

Another option is to use special clips for fastening. These are sold at gardening stores, but when choosing, consider the size of the clips and the diameter of the main vine shoots.

Types of trellises

Gardeners install different types of trellises on their plots. The choice depends on the grape vines' varietal characteristics, the number of plants grown, and their budget. They also consider the type of planting: rows or individual vines.

Single-plane trellis

Due to its low cost and simplicity, this design is used more often than others in gardens. The green mass of the bush is evenly supported on a single plane.

The outer posts are 200-230 cm high, with intermediate distances of 3-4 meters. Horizontal rows of wire are stretched between the posts (supports). The thickness of the crossbars should be at least 3-4 mm.

The distance between each row of wire is from 40 to 50 cm.

Advantages of single-plane design:

• Caring for grape bushes is simplified;
• cheapness of materials for trellises;
• ensuring better ventilation and good lighting of plantings;
• between the vines they grow other cultures.

These designs are suitable for those who are just mastering the art of grape cultivation and have not yet delved into all the intricacies of agricultural technology.

Flaws:

• not suitable for growing vigorous grape varieties;
• a large area on the site is required.

If there are no grape varieties with complex bush formations, then this type of trellis is perfect for growing.

Two-plane trellis

In small areas where every square meter of space is at a premium, it is rational to grow grape bushes on trellises with two planes.

The structures consist of supports, the upper part of which is angled. The lower part is combined.

The distance between the tops of the supports is one and a half meters. When using such structures, the distance between rows in plantings increases, making it at least 4-5 meters.

Advantages of a two-plane trellis support:

• allows you to cultivate bushes with a large number of branches;
• high crop yield is achieved;
• The bunches on such supports are reliably protected from UV burns.

Flaws:

• high material costs, which leads to increased cost of construction;
• It is difficult to care for bushes from inside the trellis.

A two-plane trellis is suitable for small vineyards.

Rules for tying grapes

When attaching branches to wire, follow these basic rules:

• skeletal branches of bushes are placed in the lower tier;
• young shoots are secured at the level of the second row of wire, secured at a slight angle;
• new shoots are carefully secured at the level of 3 and 4 tiers.

Tie each shoot individually, not in bunches, with a figure-eight knot. Fruiting vines are tied horizontally, while shoots are tied at an angle.

The shoots are not twisted or bent, but rather maintained in their natural curves. Bending branches too much is prohibited, as this will disrupt the plant's nutrition and prevent access to nutrients.

Perennial shoots are secured more firmly, leaving gaps to allow for branch thickening over the course of the season. It's best to secure the branches in different directions. This eliminates the risk of thickening and ensures easy maintenance. Sometimes gardeners tie the vines with an arch or ring. This method will result in lower yields, as annual shoot growth is uneven.

Specialized stores offer a wide selection of materials for tying up vines:

• hooks;
• plant branch holders;
• clips;
• wire rings;
• clamps.

It is convenient to use a glue gun and staplers.

How to tie up grapes for fan-shaped training

Forming plants into a fan shape is a common method in all regions of the country. Fan-shaped cultivation is especially convenient in areas where grapes are being stored for the winter in the trench.

With this technique, the branches emerging from the base grow in different directions. All the previous year's vines are tied horizontally to the wire. New shoots are carefully lifted and secured vertically. The result is a properly formed bush with fan-shaped shoots.

Specifics of tying up young grapes

Mature grapevines are attached to trellis supports. Young vines are tied to stakes or supported with a net.

When using a net, select a material with large mesh to make it easier for the vine branches to climb upward.

If the option with stakes is chosen, metal or wooden supports and soft garter material (for example, nylon) are selected.

Common mistakes

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Experienced winegrowers know how to properly tie grapevines and avoid crop losses. Beginner gardeners make mistakes that lead to reduced yields or the death of their vines.

What are the most common agricultural violations?

• fixing the vine in a vertical position;
• severe bending of branches, which disrupts the supply of nutrients and causes starvation of the crop;
• use of wire, twine, and fishing line as tying materials, which rub against vines;
• garter for the upper internodes.

The branches must be secured without squeezing, but at the same time securely and tightly enough. Otherwise, gusts of wind will cause the shoots to fall away from the trellis and break.

The bottom row of branches is formed into a fan shape. This ensures better light and ventilation. The best way to secure the branches is at a distance of two-thirds from the base of the bushes or in the middle. Tying them from the top increases the risk of the branches drying out.

Growing grapes without garters

The use of trellises cannot be completely eliminated when growing crops. If trellises are not possible, they are replaced with a stake with a horizontal support over which long vines are slung.

The option is simple, but when using it, a number of rules must be observed:

• the vine is regularly pruned, preventing it from becoming too thick;
• form grape bushes correctly;
• For the winter, the vines are removed and placed in shelters.

This type of planting is much more labor-intensive. The no-stake technique is only suitable for growing a small number of bushes. It's also suitable for decorative purposes, where yield isn't as important.

Proper tying of grape vines is a necessary part of caring for the crop. To achieve maximum yields, it is necessary not only to water, fertilize, and process grapes, but also don’t forget to tie up long shoots on time.