Hi, I am new here but not new to growing grapes. I have gotten grapes for about four years off of my vines (first year was not very significant though). I have 3 Concords, 2 Syrahs (1 is kinda iffy), 2 brand new Muscadines, a Canadice, a Suffolk, and a white grape vine.
I have done VERY well last few years in the winemaking dept. with 7 carboys (and could still use a few more).
I guess I would like to ask if there is anyone growing some similar grapes anywhere near my area? I would like to ask about advice for a few problems.
1. Black rot: I have had to throw away about 1/3 of my grapes due to this problem. Tried captan fungicide without much help. It is hot, humid, and quite rainy at times here in TN so I tried to keep it on the grapes without over doing it too much. I apply it with water with a sprayer. Sometimes I would wonder if this was not doing more harm than good though? ***ALSO, I was wondering if there would be any good time to try thinning out most of the leaves to provide air and light to fight the fungus? My vines are kinda thick with leaves so I thought about this option.
**The rot is mostly with the Concords, Canadice, and Suffolk. Not had any grapes from the others yet.
2. Birds: Is there any better option than nets? I am spending about $100 on nets, and more this year probably. I already tried those fake owls so forget that.
Anyway, I was just hoping for advice.
Thanks
Jason
I have done VERY well last few years in the winemaking dept. with 7 carboys (and could still use a few more).
I guess I would like to ask if there is anyone growing some similar grapes anywhere near my area? I would like to ask about advice for a few problems.
1. Black rot: I have had to throw away about 1/3 of my grapes due to this problem. Tried captan fungicide without much help. It is hot, humid, and quite rainy at times here in TN so I tried to keep it on the grapes without over doing it too much. I apply it with water with a sprayer. Sometimes I would wonder if this was not doing more harm than good though? ***ALSO, I was wondering if there would be any good time to try thinning out most of the leaves to provide air and light to fight the fungus? My vines are kinda thick with leaves so I thought about this option.
**The rot is mostly with the Concords, Canadice, and Suffolk. Not had any grapes from the others yet.
2. Birds: Is there any better option than nets? I am spending about $100 on nets, and more this year probably. I already tried those fake owls so forget that.
Anyway, I was just hoping for advice.
Thanks
Jason