Neighborhood of grapes with other crops, what can be planted

When growing grapes in small plots, gardeners try to make the most of every centimeter of land. The desire is commendable, but when combining crops, you need to know what to plant next to grapes, and what neighborhoods are best avoided.

What is important to consider

When selecting plants for planting in a vineyard, consider:

• soil type;
• features of the root system of crops;
• irrigation modes;
• compatibility;
• required degree of illumination.

Grape the vine bears fruit On fertile soils, moderately rich in nitrogen. Highly acidic, poor, and sandy soils are unsuitable. Loam, black soil, and mixed soils are ideal.

The plant requires plenty of light, protection from winds, and regular watering. Consideration should be given to pest and disease treatments and shade. The vineyards are sprayed, starting in the spring, using various products, including toxic ones. Therefore, even friendly plants that produce crops in early summer should not be planted nearby.

Extensive work on identifying grapevine-friendly neighbors and "enemies" was conducted by the Austrian plant breeder L. Moser. He developed a classification system with points indicating the "pros" and "cons" of plants when planted together. However, this classification is arbitrary, and it is necessary to observe the vineyard under specific conditions.

Who is grapes friends with?

Companion plantings not only save space, but also help grape-friendly plants rapid growth of vines, protect against certain infections and pests. The shoots survive the winter better, and the berries taste better.

Vegetables, herbs, weeds, and flowers act as “friends”.

Among vegetables, peas, onions, radishes, and cauliflower are the most popular. With such neighbors, grapevines thrive, produce strong shoots, and resist freezing in winter.

The list of friendly cultures includes:

• sorrel;
• beet;
• spinach;
• carrot;
• chard.

Pansies, phlox, primroses, asters, and mignonette will decorate the space between the rows and help the grape shoots grow strong and sturdy.

Soybeans, fumitory, and alfalfa help strengthen the berry crop's immunity and increase growth. Basil, borage, and spinach also have a positive effect on bush growth. Celandine and garlic are useful for disease prevention, and currants improve the flavor of the berries.

Grape antagonists

The list of "enemies" includes:

• tomatoes;
• horseradish;
• nettle;
• corn;
• calendula;
• sagebrush.

Planting lettuce, leeks, and sunflowers between rows will not yield positive results. Avoid planting potatoes and eggplants near vineyards, and avoid planting sweet and hot peppers. Clematis, carnations, and gaillardia should be planted in other locations.

The influence is subtle, the processes of mutual rejection occur unseen; only in the fall do small yields and weak shoots become apparent. These "neighbors" deplete the soil around the vines, robbing them of useful nutrients and moisture. Creeping wheatgrass, plantain, knotweed, and yarrow, which suppress neighboring crops and produce harmful substances, must be weeded out.

Grapes and roses

The combination of vines and rose bushes is a traditional one, used by gardeners around the world. The two plants have neither a positive nor a negative effect on each other; rather, they maintain a neutral relationship.

The origins of "friendship" go back to the past when roses were planted At the beginning of the vineyards, to protect them from free-grazing horses, the thorny bushes reliably protected the vines from being trampled and destroyed by animals.

Another reason is the diseases and pests common to both plants. The capricious rose is more susceptible to mildew and odium, giving growers time to protect fruit-bearing bushes.

Roses are a kind of infection indicator, warning of danger. The practical benefits of their proximity are tangible; it's no wonder that winegrowers in France, Spain, Greece, and Italy border their plantings with lushly blooming rose bushes.

In England, wild rose hips are planted along the edges of gardens, attracting a large number of insects. Roses have been shown to harbor beneficial insects that destroy parasites and pests in grapevines.

These crops are conveniently grown together due to similar agricultural practices. They have similar soil nutritional requirements, fertilizing, watering schedules, and shelter. Just like vines, climbing roses require support, such as trellises and stakes.

Onions next to grapes

Onions thrive in the space between rows. However, it's important to maintain a regular watering schedule and monitor moisture levels. The onions thrive between the vines, growing large and strong.

It's convenient to plant onions for greens, harvesting the greens every two weeks for food. Grapes and onions coexist peacefully, without conflict.

Weeds

Surprisingly, but weeds have a beneficial effect on vineyards. Experienced winegrowers note that growing vines in clean, thoroughly weeded areas yields smaller berry yields. However, it's important to follow proper planting practices and timing, and be aware of friendly weeds.

Clover, St. John's wort, clover, and sweet clover are neutral plants for the crop and are suitable for inter-row cultivation. Sowing is possible after the vines reach three years of age. Before this, weeds choke the vines, impeding their growth and shoot development, and weakening the root system.

Weeds that appear are mowed down, leaving them to rot to form useful, nutritious humus. It's acceptable to sow low-growing grasses to create a green "carpet" to improve soil quality and prevent the growth of weeds (couch grass, bluebells) that are harmful to grapes.

Planting cucumbers on trellises

Besides borage, a great neighbor for sunny berries there will be cucumbersLong-vine varieties are grown on trellises, producing a high yield of cucumbers.

Cucumbers' root systems are located in the upper layers of soil, so they don't deprive grapes of nutrients. They receive adequate moisture and warmth, while also being protected from winds and drafts.

Planting green manure

Green manure crops are used to enrich the soil with nutrients. They improve soil structure, add nitrogen, and promote the growth of beneficial earthworms.

The list includes:

• alfalfa;
• oats;
• barley;
• rye;
• sainfoin;
• vetch;
• rape;
• buckwheat;
• peas.

Cereals have a positive effect on shoot growth and vine development. Legumes enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus. They improve the health of the soil, making it permeable and loose.

Growing scheme:

• sowing green manure after picking berries (in autumn);
• wintering;
• spring watering of plantings;
• mowing green mass.

The soil is not dug to avoid damaging the grapevine roots. It's advisable to sow not just one green manure crop, but different plants to ensure a comprehensive effect on the fruit plantings.

Another option is to roll green manure to form a uniform green cover on the soil. Such soils attract a large number of earthworms, increasing the percentage of beneficial humus.

Grapes and strawberries

Popular options include growing strawberries or wild strawberries between the rows of vines. However, such plantings are only recommended while the grapevines are young; otherwise, the strawberries will struggle in the deep shade of mature plants.

The root systems of crops are located at different levels and do not tolerate excess nitrogen, but respond well to organic fertilizers. Grapevines will protect low-growing strawberries from the scorching sun, which can kill up to 40-50% of plants in exposed beds.

Light partial shade is formed between the rows, and there is sufficient moisture. Strawberries are growing freely and produces a good harvest of berries.

Recommendations:

• a high bed is made for strawberries;
• on highly moist soils, drainage systems are considered;
• leave a distance of at least half a meter between strawberries and grapes;
• organic matter (rotted compost, ash) is used for fertilizing.

When cultivating a vineyard in spring and early summer, consider covering the strawberries. Use several layers of thick polyethylene film, laying it over the berry bushes.

Relationships between varieties

Besides planting other crops in the vineyard, beginning winegrowers are concerned about the proximity of different varieties. This is not a concern; different varieties grow and bear fruit well in the same plot.

Furthermore, plants that produce only female flowers with sterile pollen require pollinators. Variety descriptions indicate the type of flower a particular species produces and the appropriate pollinators. It is recommended to select grapes with similar flowering and fruiting times to avoid missing out on a harvest.

The capricious and heat-loving grape requires comprehensive care. Understanding all the intricacies of agricultural techniques and selecting ideal "neighbors" for the crop will ensure an excellent harvest.