Soil for grapes: what kind of soil does the plant like, preparation, composition, acidity, ph, what is needed for cuttings (chubuks, seedlings), how to make it at home, growing on clay and sandy soils

Every gardener who sooner or later decides to start growing grapes wonders about the possibility of setting up a vineyard on their plot. Grapes are an unpretentious crop, but the right location for planting will largely determine the quality of the future harvest. You can find out how to choose the ideal place to plant a vineyard in our article.

What criteria are used to determine suitable soil for grapes?

The key to the development of a luxurious vineyard is the competent selection of soil composition. Grapes grow best on light soil, which can quickly and easily provide the root system with the oxygen and water necessary for life. The most suitable rocks are clay and loam, sandy and sandy loam, as well as chernozems.

Compound

Mixed soil is ideal. It should consist of sand, clay, stones, organic and mineral substances.

Important! Heavy clay soil poorly conducts water and air, so it is absolutely not suitable for planting a vineyard. Sandy soil quickly loses moisture and freezes strongly in winter, which leads to the death of young bushes.

Particular attention should be paid to the chemical composition of the soil, since the presence of certain substances will affect the strength of growth and development.
Basic chemical composition of soils

Nitrogen	Affects the formation of proteins in the plant. Its deficiency slows down the growth of bushes, and its excess accelerates the development of green mass, reducing the quality of the fruit.
Iron	Promotes the release of chlorophyll, which is essential during nutrition.
Potassium	Ensures the accumulation of sugar and starch, accelerates metabolic processes, and increases frost resistance. Lack of the element leads to the formation of sour berries.
Calcium	Necessary for the development of a strong root system. Excess of the substance causes the disease chlorosis.
Magnesium	Participates in the formation of chlorophyll. If there is a lack of an element, the foliage turns yellow and dies.
Phosphorus	Promotes the development of fruiting organs. Excessive maintenance shortens the growing season and accelerates the formation of bunches.

Acidity

An important element is the level of soil acidity - pH. It can be acidic, neutral and alkaline. The optimal indicators for normal growth and development of the plant are considered to be a reaction of the soil environment of about 4.0 - 8.0.

Important! Excessive acidity makes it difficult for the root system to absorb nutrients. This leads to the need to additionally fertilize the soil. Lime is added to reduce acidity levels.

Possible mistakes

The list of errors is small, but they should be taken into account when working with grapes:

Digging without turning the layer over does not sufficiently saturate the soil with oxygen and does not allow the movement of nutrients.
Formation of a crust on the surface of the earth.
Overfeeding. Excess fertilizer leads to pathologies in the development of the bush and the development of diseases.

It would seem that so many difficulties in growing grapes should scare off those who want to grow this wonderful plant. However, on the contrary, every year more and more summer residents have 1-2 vines on their plots.

What soil is suitable for grape cuttings?

The land for planting seedlings and cuttings is prepared in the fall. It needs to be dug well and fertilized. It is necessary to dig holes or trenches so that the soil subsides before spring.
Prepared chibouks are transplanted into containers and placed in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. To do this, you can use humus mixed with peat in equal proportions. A mixture of turf soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 0.5:0.5:1.0 is also suitable.
To water the soil composition, prepare a solution of 1 liter of water, 1.5 g of ammonium nitrate and 3 g of superphosphate. When the cuttings grow to 30 cm in height, they can be planted in open ground. It is important to wait until spring, when the outside air temperature becomes positive.

Landing dates

How to plant grapes correctly so that they grow and bear fruit well, what season is best for this? Grapes can be planted both in spring and autumn. The landing methods in both cases are practically no different.

The only difference is that in the fall it is necessary to cover the seedlings before the onset of frost.

Annual seedlings are planted at the end of April and until mid-May. Vegetating green plants are usually rooted in early June. The best time in autumn is the end of October.

What soil is suitable for different grape varieties?

Table varieties, which are usually eaten fresh, develop best in soil containing crushed stone and sand. This composition facilitates nutrition and accelerates the development of bushes, and also contributes to the accumulation of the necessary aroma and sweetness.

Soil composition is important for technical grape varieties used as raw materials for wine production. It has a great influence on the taste properties of wines.

So Cabernet - Sauvignon and Gamay are loved on clay soil. And Pinot Franc, Pinot Chardonnay and Folle Blanche need carbonate soils with a high concentration of lime.

Light soils with large constituents produce fine, sour wines. Heavy loams increase the concentration of grape must.

Features of planting crops in spring

At this time, grapes are propagated by seedlings and cuttings. Usually, beginners purchase seedlings from nurseries or from friends (in the fall or before planting in the spring). Experienced winegrowers grow the desired varieties, having previously prepared chibouks in the fall.

The difference between different types of planting material:

A grape cutting (chubuk) is a part of a vine with several buds. They are cut from annual growth: in the spring - green, in the fall with traditional pruning - ripened (woody). Spring green cuttings are planted in shrubs, autumn cuttings are first placed in storage, then at the end of winter they are rooted, grown in pots or glasses at home, and then transferred to open ground. They practice different options - immediately to a permanent place or to school, followed by an autumn transplant.
Seedlings are one- or two-year-old plants, with roots and growth. There are lignified ones, usually with an open root system (OKS), as well as vegetative ones (with branches, green leaves), with a closed root system (ZKS) in containers, pots, boxes.

On a note! Seedlings grown from cuttings without grafting are called self-rooted. Plants of two parts (scion - top, rootstock - roots) are grafted seedlings.

It is important to take into account the climatic conditions of the region, the specifics of the variety or hybrid. It is advisable to choose varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, with high frost resistance and good yield indicators.

How to choose a place to plant vineyards?

A correctly selected place for planting a vineyard will not only contribute to the development of strong and fruit-bearing bushes, but will also facilitate the process of caring for the plant. Before you begin planting, pay attention to the following items.

The heat-loving crop requires a lot of sunlight. It is recommended to choose a place that is well lit throughout the day. A well-warmed southern slope is perfect.

The plant is afraid of drafts and strong northern winds. Planting bushes in close proximity to the walls of buildings will be a good support. They will become a natural barrier from the wind, and will also provide additional warmth.

Interesting! Buildings heat up during the day and are capable of storing heat. Thus, the outside air temperature near the walls becomes several degrees higher, and the vineyard receives a favorable microenvironment.

It is recommended to plant grapes away from other plants, especially trees. It is important to avoid shading and competition for nutrients contained in the soil.

You should choose a place with a low groundwater content, no higher than 2.0 m. Excessive moisture can lead to slow development and rotting of the root system.

If you want to get an environmentally friendly product, you should avoid proximity to highways. Otherwise, it is necessary to take measures to protect plants from dust. To do this, you can plant trees or bushes at a distance of at least 3 m from the vineyard.

From the video below you can learn more about transplanting cuttings:

Caring for seedlings after planting

In the first year of life, a young seedling does not require particularly complex care. The soil in the root zone should be constantly moist. To simplify the provision of this parameter, it can be mulched. For example, the following materials are suitable as mulch: sawdust, straw, hay, dark oilcloth or agrofibre, cardboard, etc. If the seedling is not accustomed to sunlight, then it is shaded and, accordingly, gradually accustomed right at the planting site.

The task for the first season is the need to grow 2-4 fully developed shoots. When the young shoots that hatch from the buds of the seedling reach a length of 10-15 cm, a normalization operation is carried out. The strongest ones are left, and all the underdeveloped little things are broken out. Ideally, at the end of the season you can get 4 quality vines, which is very rare in practice. Most often you end up with 2-3 decent escapes.

Pegs are placed next to young bushes as temporary support. When proper growth is achieved, the stems are tied to the first wire of the trellis. During the development process, as on adult bushes, the tendrils are removed and pinching is performed.

How to prepare soil for planting grapes?

The soil for the vineyard should be loose, light and warm. Its main function is to provide the plant with nutrients, stimulating the formation of a powerful root system. Therefore, it should promote the development of microorganisms and allow air and water to pass through well.

Before planting, the soil must be dug deeply to a distance of about 0.6 - 1.0 m. In this case, the fertile surface layers are placed as low as possible, and the deep ones - outward. To do this, on one side they dig a trench measuring 70 x 70 cm, into which the top fertile layer is laid. At a distance of 2.5 m from the first trench, a second one is dug. The top layer of soil from the second hole is poured onto the bottom of the first, and the bottom layer is filled completely. This scheme is used to lay out the entire vineyard.

You can dig not entire trenches, but holes measuring 70 x 70 x 70 cm. The procedure is carried out in the fall. During the winter, the trenches are left open. At the same time, the soil settles, becomes moist and freezes. This creates optimal conditions for planting seedlings.

To increase the permeability of the soil to air and moisture, additional elements are introduced into it. Crushed stones, stones or broken bricks are laid to a depth of about 25 cm. You can add manure or humus.

Selection of seedlings

Only high-quality and healthy bushes can take root well, begin to develop rapidly and bear fruit in the expected time frame. There are two types of additives - vegetative and lignified.

The vegetative species is a cutting rooted in the spring and having young leaves and roots on the shoots. A vegetative seedling with a whole rhizome can be planted in warm weather.

The woody species is an annual shrub that was dug up in the fall and stored in a moistened sand mixture.

The purchased seedling must meet the following characteristics:

Well-developed root system, consisting of 4-6 roots, the size of the heel roots is at least 15 cm;
minimum planting length - 40-50 cm, thickness - 8 mm;
absence of mechanical injuries on the buds and rhizomes.

How to improve soil quality in different seasons?

To ensure good growth and development of plants, the soil must be kept in optimal condition. It needs to be watered, fertilized, and cleared of weeds and parasites. The set of mandatory care measures depends on the seasons. Let's look at how the soil is prepared in different periods.

in spring

First of all, the soil is dug up to a depth of about 5 cm and leveled. Nitrogen is applied as mineral fertilizers to accelerate the development of the root system and green mass. Ash will also work. During the growing season, 50 g of ash is mixed with a bucket of water and used to water the soil. The solution acts as a fungicide, protecting against diseases and pests.

In summer

The soil is periodically loosened, watered and freed from weeds.

in autumn

After harvesting, in October or November, the soil must be dug to a depth of about 25 cm. Weeds, fallen leaves and branches must be removed. To preserve moisture, large blocks of earth are not broken. You can add mineral fertilizers in the form of potassium. To avoid iron deficiency, when preparing holes for planting, iron cans or nails are placed on their bottom.

When is it better to plant grapes in the garden: in autumn or spring?

Advantages and disadvantages of spring planting grapes

Advantages of planting grapes in spring:

● The seedling takes root better and has time to get stronger before winter.

● It is possible to prepare the soil in advance and let it rest until spring.

● It is easier to predict the weather, as temperatures can drop sharply in autumn.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. So, with the onset of heat, various pathogens wake up. Therefore, untimely processing can lead to poor survival and even death of the vine. Although spring pleases with its warmth, you should not relax, because night frosts unexpectedly occur. The soil may not be sufficiently moistened and regular additional watering will be required.

In addition, the best seedlings are usually sold in the fall. Therefore, you will have to buy the desired variety in advance and store it in the basement all winter.

Advantages and disadvantages of autumn planting grapes

The advantages of planting grapes in the fall include the following:

●moist soil.

●faster growth of grape seedlings.

●large selection of good grape varieties.

Some may worry that when planting in the fall, the seedling will not have time to take root and will freeze in the winter. But serious frosts are still far away, and the low autumn temperature will not damage the roots. Again, it is important to choose the right planting time.

An unexpected cold snap can destroy young seedlings. It is necessary to begin preparing the pits at the end of summer. As was already written above, in the fall there is a greater choice of varieties of grape seedlings. It is possible to choose a good variety and a good quality seedling. By spring, weaker seedlings often remain. In autumn, you can plant grapes before the onset of severe and persistent frosts. Strong seedlings with well-ripened vines are not afraid of frosts of -1...-2 °C. The seedlings are in a period of rest, in hibernation. We plant, water and cover for the winter.

What mistakes do winegrowers make when choosing soil?

The strict chemical composition of the soil is unfavorable for grapes. The plant prefers mixtures rather than specific soil in its pure form. It is recommended to prepare the soil in advance, adding additional elements as necessary.
Replanting bushes of a similar variety on the same land will have a negative impact on the future harvest and the quality of the vineyard. The soil must be given 1 to 2 years to rest. The earth needs to be cleared of parasites that may have formed over the previous time. It is also necessary to replenish its fertility by introducing additional organic and mineral fertilizers.
When applying fertilizers, it is important to remember that their excessive use can have a detrimental effect on the viability of the bushes. They must be used strictly according to the instructions and in the correct proportions.

Important! Organic fertilizers can burn the roots, so it is recommended to mix them with soil before use.

Advantages and disadvantages of spring planting

The crop can be planted on the site both in autumn and spring. The choice is up to the gardener. But more often, winegrowers prefer to work after winter, highlighting the following advantages:

rapid adaptation of seedlings;
good survival rate if the rules of agricultural technology are observed;
favorable conditions for plants - soil moistened after the snow melts, stable heat.

Even during recurrent frosts, it is easier to protect seedlings by using special covering materials. Autumn planting often threatens bushes with freezing and slow adaptation of plants.

But there are also disadvantages:

In the spring, with the arrival of warmth, pests and various pathogenic microorganisms become more active. Therefore, gardeners immediately begin preventive treatments of the grape plantation;
If you don’t have your own planting material, you have to purchase goods at markets and nurseries. In spring, unlike in autumn, the choice is small. It is not always possible to buy the right variety or quality seedling;
it is necessary to constantly monitor the weather forecast, especially if the gardener lives in regions of risky farming. Return frosts occur even in the middle zone, not to mention the regions of the Urals, Siberia, and the North-West. To prevent the planted cuttings from dying, agrofibre, covering fabrics are used, and protective structures are built.

Spring is a busy time for summer residents. It also happens that there is not enough time for grapes to have time to plant and cultivate the main crops. So plants suffer from inattention, poor care, and incorrect agricultural practices. When starting work, you need to understand that the result will only come with due diligence and a competent approach.

Types of grapes by ripening time

Early. Ripens in 100 days. They are grown in the northern regions, since summers are short and frosts occur quite quickly.
Average. The varieties are universal for temperate climates.
Late. The prerogative of the southern regions, where there is a lot of sun and practically no frost.

Logic dictates: late varieties are inappropriate in cold areas with a harsh climate, and early varieties are inappropriate in warm ones.

Each plant develops well only in its own region.

Grapes are further divided into two categories:

table varieties;
technical.

Table varieties, of course, for table decoration and fresh food. The berries are large, beautifully shaped, juicy.

Technical ones - with small, inconspicuous berries, slightly sour, and a surprisingly delicate aroma. Their productivity is high, and later they are used for processing. Having stocked up on knowledge, now you can go shopping.

Preparing the landing hole

The root system of grapes is powerful. Its main part is located in the top layer of fertile soil, at a depth of half a meter. Therefore, it is very important to prepare the hole for planting correctly and in a timely manner. Please note:

pit dimensions;
when is the best time to prepare a hole for planting seedlings in the ground;
drainage.

The width should be 80 by 80 cm, depth 80-90 cm. If planting is done in rows, then the width is increased to a meter.

It is recommended to prepare the hole at least two weeks in advance, so that the soil can stand and shrink. Best in a month or a month and a half. If it didn’t work out, you didn’t have time, you didn’t think it through in advance, then it’s okay, during the planting process you will trample down the soil especially carefully.

First, drainage is prepared. Approximately 5-7 cm of crushed stone is poured into the bottom of the hole; a layer of roofing material or thick paper can be placed on top. A drainage pipe is installed at the edge of the hole. Through it, the bushes are subsequently watered and fertilized.

Filling the hole

So, the hole for the seedling is prepared in advance. It's better to take care of this at the end of summer. A nutrient layer approximately 25 cm thick is placed at the bottom.

Nutrient layer for grape seedlings. Compound:

manure;
Earth;
sand;
humus;
wood ash;
fertilizers

We will need several buckets of manure, several buckets of fertile soil with humus, some sand, wood ash (one or two liter jars). Ash is a must for the simple reason that it contains a large amount of potassium and various trace elements. All this is mixed well, compacted and watered. Wait for the water to seep into the soil.

Fertilizers are poured on top: 0.5 kg of superphosphate, 300 grams of potassium fertilizers, mixed with good soil and the hole is compacted again. Nitrogen is not needed, we have already added humus. Eggshells are welcome as they contain a lot of calcium.

Next, fill the hole with fertile soil without any additives. They dug a hole, filled it with everything necessary and forgot about it. They remember her after 1.5-2 months in the first ten days of October. This is how soil is prepared on chernozem and clay. On sandstone the process occurs somewhat differently.