our first bunch of grapes

[manicscousers]

 ;D ;D ;D
and the only one  ;D

[manicscousers]

[mc55]

 ;D gosh, thats one heck of a glut !  I think that has just helped me make my decision ref giving a vine space in the gh ...

[saddad]

You had poor pollination as well then... my outdoor regent has very few crowded bunches, I usually have to thin ruthlessly, and never do it enough, this time I won't need to bother!
:(

[Emagggie]

Bummer!! I seem to have plenty of bunches but grape size not large. Mine are Black Hamburg and outside against a south facing wall. I have recently planted a donated and type unknown as yet vine with it's roots outside but growing inside my greenhouse. Hoping for great things. ;D ;D ;D ;D (can you hear the hysterical laughter?)

[saddad]

Did you thin out the baby grapes? You need special scissors with long points. Take about 1/2 the grapes out so the others can swell. Also about one bunch per foot of stem is recommended... you have to be really ruthless to get good sized grapes. If it is a small greenhouse you will need to severe with it or you won't even be able to get in!

[Emagggie]

Thanks Saddad, the greenhouse grape is new so not reached the roof yet, and I will bear in mind your advice, and I will set too tomorrow and inspect and manicure the B H. ;D

[Amazin]

and the only one

Yes, but they're yours, all YOURS!   ;D




And they don't have mildew   >:(

(mutter...grumble...)

[Jeannine]

My Black Hamburg under glass is racing away and loaded with a great many bunches, full size almost now and start to colour up even though they won't be ready for some time yet.

My neighbour also has a Black hamburg, 3 lotties away, hers is weeks behind mine, she loads of bunches but the grapes are about as big as elderberries.

one under glass, one not, it seems to make a huge difference

[Emagggie]

The friend who gave me the new grape also gave me a bunch of grapes from his. The skins were tough so I squished them in my tomato squisher and drank the divine nectar :P
Manics, was your vine prolific last year?

[manicscousers]

first year, maggie..we were given it, overgrown, in a big pot..I cut it back and planted it in the ground so, I suppose it shouldn't have fruited this year anyway  ;D

[weedin project]

Fear not, intrepid vignerons!  Next year it will be wonderful, this year is just naff all round.

The 2007 vintage will either (a) be really poor and collected in extremely low quantities for rarity value that no-one will miss, or else (b) it might yet ripen through a classic Indian summer to produce brilliant wines in extremely low quantities for rarity value that people will be desperate for.

By the way, my money's on scenario (a) :-[

[real food]

My Black Hambourg grapes in the cold Greenhouse in Glasgow, will be ready for eating in about 2 weeks. They are about a month earlier than last year, I think because of the hot early summer that we had.