(http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/592/picturesplotfloodnov060bj7.th.jpg) (http://img490.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picturesplotfloodnov060bj7.jpg)
how much water can a vine take before it rots the roots
we did the planting hole very deep with lots of crocks and gritty stuff, then manure, then planted it and added more soil around it, as you can see there's lots of water around and I'm worried about them :-\
It seems that you are right to be concerned. Found this fact sheet which I hope will help. It might be better off in a pot?
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/ftm6.php
G x
thanks for that, will study up :)
Drowned is about the only thing they can't take!
:'(
Seems it`s best not to get them too wet,but do I remember reading that the French flood some vineyards? Something to do with pre-phyloxera ?
no idea what that is but flooding is good news for us, they are planted in a raised bed, approx 12" above the water so we'll just have to hope for a dry winter ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I have 9 vines to plant, and i plan to dig a large hole taking out the clay. And back fill the hole with 1/3 grit 1/3 clay and 1/3 compost a good handfull of bonemeal and a good handfull of chicken manure pellets.
I am going to plant the vine into the hole through a tyre and then plant up the top of the tyre with 1/3 grit and 2/3 compost and put a pipe directly into the roots for summer watering.
I moved the steaks up to the plot sunday so that once i have dug the holes i can then create the wire support system.
All advice I have ever seen is to plant them out in spring (March/April) to give the roots a chance.
If you have any that are ready to plant, then I think they'd be better off being heeled-in in a cold-frame or greenhouse over winter; protect the roots from very cold and very damp. Any very young ones already planted out might need a deep mulch of straw (or if still short enough, maybe under a cloche?) to keep them warm and dry.
Last winter I lost one that was meant to survive to -20oc, which I think was due to wind-chill rather than anything else.
Remember that grapevines are a long-term investment (you won't get an optimum crop for 5 years!) so don't be tempted to plant them out too quickly.