How to Properly Prune Grapevines in Autumn for a Bountiful Harvest
Autumn is considered the ideal time for caring for grapevines, as it is now that you can lay the groundwork for a future rich harvest of sweet berries. Gardeners emphasize that proper pruning ensures the health of the vine and its generous productivity.
This is reported by AgroReview
Main Stages of Autumn Pruning for Grapevines
At the beginning of the pruning process, it is necessary to remove all excess shoots. In particular, thin branches with a thickness of less than 5 mm should be pruned, as they cannot withstand winter frosts and only deplete the plant. It is also important to get rid of diseased and underdeveloped canes, as well as shoots that grow inward or downward towards the ground, as they thicken the vine and hinder its normal development.
On each arm, only 2-3 strong, healthy canes should be left. This procedure helps strengthen the plant and improve the quality of the harvest. Next, replacement spurs are formed—short shoots that will produce new canes the following year. For this, the lowest healthy cane on each arm is selected and pruned, leaving 2-3 buds from the base.
Creating Fruitful Shoots and Finalizing the Vine Structure
The next stage is the creation of fruitful shoots. Above the replacement spurs, the strongest cane is chosen and shortened depending on the grape variety: for technical varieties, about 10 buds are left, while for table varieties, 10-12 buds are retained. It is important to make the cut with a sharp pruner at an angle, leaving 2 cm from the last bud.
After pruning, the canes are carefully placed on the trellis. The fruitful shoots are secured horizontally at a height of 60-70 cm. To complete the process, it is advisable to ensure that no more than 30-40 fruit buds remain on the vine, as this will provide comfortable conditions for the plant and contribute to a quality harvest.
This pruning technique prepares the vine for winter and ensures good ventilation, reduces the risk of diseases, and helps the berries accumulate sugar. Try pruning this way this year to appreciate all the advantages of this method. Good luck!