Hi
We have been growing a vine for a few years and this is the first when it looks like there are loads and loads of tiny bunches forming. Should we leave them all or take out some to give a better chance to the others? Any advice would be great :)
Thanks
I find that when there is doubt it is always best to do so...most of the years I do have to thin out..I just leave one to develop per stem...and I thin stems/branches too ....event then in average year there is still more grapes that we do eat.. ::)...and what do I do with those..I might give some away and chickens loove them.. ;D...they are luckiest chucks around... ;)
oh forgot...if they are 'eating' grapes do..as you get better quality fruit..but for wine making...I would not bother.. ;)
I have a huge vine grown to make a roof over a pergola and provide shade on hot days. I don't know what it is, but it bears numerous bunches of small yellow grapes with thick skin and lots of pips, and not very sweet! I liquidise the grapes and strain them into a delicious drink. Sometimes I cook them with fish to make a nice sharp sauce. Have not yet tried making wine, but feel they are not sweet enough.
But I have taken a cutting, which is growing on well and is due to fruit this year. I am keeping it pruned, will thin the bunches out, and see if it makes the slightest difference.....
I have loads this year too, none appeared last year and I moved the plant in March this year so was not expecting any. I've trained it into a T shape, 8'wide and shoots every 12"(ish), each shoot had about 3 bunches on and they are only 6"-12" high, so I trimmed off the bunches to leave one per shoot.
Just got to wait to see what they taste like ;D
Neil
lots too this year, will now thin them as suggested. Last years enjoyed by blackbirds (I think) - vine unprotected on allotment. Makes a nice screen though, and beautiful leaves in autumn!