Grapes are a popular food, rich in nutrients, including sugar, acids, and minerals, and are cultivated in many regions. So, how can grapevines be planted to ensure a high survival rate? Let's find out.
1. Site Selection
Grapes are highly adaptable, but thrive best in a pH range of 6 to 6.7. Sandy loam or gravelly soils are preferred; avoid heavily acidic or alkaline soils, as well as areas prone to waterlogging and poor drainage.
2. Trenching and pit digging
Before planting grape seedlings, a trenching machine should be used to prepare the vineyard and apply base fertilizer. Dig trenches and pits, add crushed fertilizer to the pits, cover with a layer of soil, and then plant the seedlings. The depth of the trench should be determined according to the size of the grape seedlings. For small seedlings, a depth and width of 50 cm is generally sufficient. For larger grape seedlings, the trench should be about one meter deep.
3. Prune the root system
Before planting grape seedlings, it's crucial to inspect the root system. If the roots are whitish or rotten, the seedlings should not be used. Alternatively, rotten or whitish roots can be trimmed before planting. After trimming, soak the seedlings in a solution of water and ABT rooting powder (25-50 PPM) for 12-24 hours. Alternatively, disinfect the seedlings with a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times or copper sulfate.
4. Planting time
Generally, planting begins in mid-April, when the soil temperature reaches above 10 degrees Celsius. Plant in planting trenches, spacing each plant 50 cm apart, spreading the roots out in all directions and tilting them to one side at a 40-degree angle to facilitate soil coverage. Then begin filling the trench with soil, gently lifting the seedling while doing so that the root collar is level with the bed surface, avoiding planting too deep or too shallow. Following the "three-bury, two-tamp, one-lift" method, plant the grape seedlings firmly and tamp the soil around them.
5. Watering
Immediately after planting, grape seedlings should be watered. After watering, the rootstock should be exposed 1-2 nodes above the ground, i.e., the grafting point should be exposed. Four to five days later, water thoroughly to help the seedlings establish themselves. Then, cover the trench with mulch to retain moisture and increase soil temperature. Grape seedlings planted in this way have a survival rate of over 95%.
