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Caring For Your Vines
The First Three Years of a Vine's Life
The first three years of a vine's life are crucial for establishing a strong root system, healthy trunk structure, and balanced growth. Proper care during this time sets the foundation for long-term productivity and resilience in the vineyard.
Year One - Building the Root System
The primary goal in the first year is to establish a strong root system.
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Encourage as much leaf growth as possible to support root development.
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Allow 3–6 shoots to grow, as multiple shoots create a larger canopy faster than 1–2 shoots.
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This results in smaller, more winter-hardy canes, which are essential in regions with freezing winter temperatures (below 30°F).
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In areas without freezing winters, thinner canes are less critical, but multiple shoots still support robust growth.
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Trellising
A trellis is essential for supporting grow tubes and new shoots.
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Shoots left on the ground are prone to mildew, damage, and hinder weed management.
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Training shoots on the trellis helps establish the vine’s trunk and structure.
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Install the trellis system early in the first season to guide vine growth.
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Trunk and Vine Development
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Vertically Trained Canopy: Train two shoots to grow along the fruiting wire (30–40 inches off the ground), spreading other shoots along the trellis.
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High Wire System: Train two shoots to grow straight up to the top wire. If they don’t reach it by season’s end, continue training them in year two.
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Remove any fruit after bloom (June–July) to direct the vine's energy toward root and shoot development.
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Spraying for Mildew Protection
All grape varieties need mildew protection:
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Hybrids require less spraying than Vinifera but still need annual treatment, even in non-fruiting years.
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Consult your local Cooperative Extension for spray guidelines specific to your region.
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Alternatively, refer to the "Pest Management Guidelines for Grapes" by Cornell University or Penn State for comprehensive advice.
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Fall Maintenance
Remove grow tubes in the fall to prepare the vine for dormancy.
Year Two: Focus on Trunk Development
Pruning for Strong Trunks
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In late winter or early spring, select the two best shoots to establish your trunks and prune off the others.
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Cold Climate Tip: In regions with winter temperatures below 30°F, retain 1–2 two-bud spurs at the vine’s base for potential trunk renewal.
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Removing all basal shoots eliminates future trunk renewal options if needed.
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Spring: Preparing for Growth
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Once the risk of frost has passed, remove the protective hill of soil around your vines.
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Why This Matters for Grafted Vines:
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Prevents scion rooting, which can lead to the vine abandoning its rootstock, negating its benefits.
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Protects against nematode attacks (e.g., Dagger Nematode) and the transfer of viruses like Tomato or Tobacco Ring Spot from weeds.
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Allow 6–8 shoots per trunk, adjusting for site vigor:
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Low-vigor sites: Reduce to 3–4 shoots per trunk to avoid overburdening the vine.
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Spraying and Fruit Removal
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Spray for mildew control as needed.
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Remove all fruit during the second year to direct energy into vine development, ensuring a stronger crop by year four.
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High-vigor sites or varieties: Leave one cluster per shoot to help manage excessive growth.
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Fall: Winter Protection
Even as vines mature, cold protection remains crucial:
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In regions where temperatures dip below 30°F, "hill up" soil around the base of the vine for added insulation during the second and third winters.
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For areas below 10°F:
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Hill up Vitis Vinifera varieties every winter.
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Hill up hybrids for the first three winters.
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Year Three: Establishing Productivity
Pruning
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Prune in late winter to assess and address any winter injury.
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Cold Climate Tip: Leave additional buds if winter injury is evident.
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Retain one or more shoots/canes from the vine’s base to begin trunk renewal if needed.
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Aim to leave 20–30 buds per vine, adjusted for vigor and vine spacing.
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Crop Management
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For most vines, limit the crop to one cluster per shoot to continue strengthening the vine.
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Important: This is typically the final year for crop reductions unless the variety requires annual thinning.
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Mildew Protection
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Continue to spray for mildew control as part of regular vineyard maintenance.
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By the end of year three, your vines should be well-developed, with strong trunks and the capacity to support full cropping in year four.
Additional Support
These guidelines provide a foundational approach to early vineyard care. For more detailed or region-specific information, reach out to your local Cooperative Extension or university programs.