1-year Pre-plant · Assessment of Site Needs
Once a site has been selected, several important tasks must be completed to cover as many details as possible before vines actually go into the ground. This is one attempt to avoid any surprises after site preparation and vine planting and before any major resources are used.
Contact planting contractor
Laser planting? Auger and a tractor? Shovel and a strong back? Regardless of planting strategy, be prepared for the planting date. Whether you are hiring someone to plant, or you have volunteers to help, try to schedule a planting date one year ahead of time. You may find that one year is not enough time to schedule busy contractors for planting your vineyard, so be sure to contact them as soon as the varieties have been selected.
Assess deer and other animal pressure
If you are not prepared for deer and other animal pressure, surviving winter temperatures and spring frosts will amount to little, as deer can eat vines down to the ground. Deer fencing in high-pressure areas may be necessary, or there are various chemical deer deterrents that have not been tested in research trials. For other animal pressure, grow tubes might reduce feeding, but electric fences are often deployed around small acreages.
Determine and address irrigation and drainage needs
During site preparation (link to site preparation), irrigation or drainage needs should have been addressed. Remember, it is best to prepare the site as much as possible (irrigation, drainage, nutrient management, weed removal) prior to putting plants in the ground because each of these tasks becomes more difficult when maneuvering around vines and trellis hardware.
Resources
Wolf, T. et.al. 2008. Wine Grape Production Guide for Eastern North America. Cooperative Extension NRAES:145.
Content by:
Dr. Jodi Creasap Gee
Viticulture Extension Educator
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
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