My harvest in College Grove, TN

[Runningwolf]

Rich this is just plain crazy. That was us last week and now this week they are calling for more rain. Oh Well sure did enjoy yesterday.

 

[Waldo]

We have got way more rain than we need here. I took this of my neighbors yard just across the street from me about an hour ago and it's still raining hard

 

[rrawhide]

Waldo,


Remember last year we talked about getting a picture of you fishing in a mud bug hole? Now might be the time for that picture.


How are you and Kat doing?


Hope all is well


rick

 

[Brent2489]

Send some to Atlanta. Was 95 degrees here today!!!

 

[Randoneur]

Here is a picture of Marquette, way ahead of everything else.
I'm thinking they will be ready around the 1st week of August!

Zinfandel I planted this year is already out of the grow tubes.


Chard and Cab are above the top wire and I've started to hedge the vines this weekend.

 

[Scott B]

Very Nice!

 

[Flem]

Lookin' great, Mark!!

 

[Randoneur]

Now I've got this little problem. This is only on Norton. Chardonnay and both Cabernets next to it do not show any signs of this.


New growth shows rust color with some showing a green outline. Older leaves are normal.


I suspect it is a nutrient problem. Norton does have some unusual nutrient requirements! Usually by this time I have given these vines three foliar nutrient sprays with epsom salt and nutripak. None this year.


Anyone seen this before? Any idea what it is?

 

[grapeman]

It looks like 2-4d damage from a neighbor. It is contained in a lot of lawn weed and feed products. The curled leaves and finger like projections are typical of that.

 

[ibglowin]

Ruh Row!

 

[Randoneur]

This is the year forcicada's, hatch happensevery 13th year.
Here are a couple of pics of them.The third pic is of the cut they make in the vine where theylay their eggs.Noreal damage to the vine, so theyare just a mildpest for a few weeks.
Dogs, cats, birds, fish, ---everythingeat them like crazy, reallystrange critters.

 

[DBell]

Ha, I was wondering what that was on my vines. I was afraid it was some disease. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ibglowin]

I remember the sound (noise really) of the Cicadas or Locust as we called them back then during the Summer months growing up down in South Texas. After awhile you got so used to that continual rise and fall of noise that you barely even noticed it!

Thanks goodness they don't seem to hurt the vines all that much!

 

[Randoneur]

Growing Degree Days:
This year 1600
Average 1282
Last year 1675


Catching up to last year. Quite a bit above average.
A threeweek drought and high temperatures have finally given way to rain and cooler temperatures.

 

[Randoneur]

Growing Degree Days are at 2455!!
Average year would be 2060


Marquette Grapes are at 22 Brix. Young vines and not a lot to pick, but they will start fermemt today.


Cabernet Franc are starting to change color.


I've been getting the rest of my vines netted. Just wondering what the rest of you do - how far ahead of harvest do you put netting out?

 

[ibglowin]

Looking good there!

 

[Randoneur]

So far this year has been quite a bust. Wild life has taken everything as it has ripened.I'll be doing a lothunting and trapping and put up a fence this winter.
Guess I'll be doing a couple of kits this year.

 

[ibglowin]

Is there one main "culprit" or a bunch of "thieves"?

 

[BonnieJoy]

I feel your pain. We at Blossom Ridge had the same issue this year. The birds stripped all 21 Marquette vines clean in early August. We quickly purchased a "Bird Gard" scare device from Orchard Valley Supply and so far most of the later maturing grapes are still hanging. The birds seem to have a preference for the "black" varieties - I'm thinking is due to greater visibility? Any who, if I want to produce a red wine this vintage I'll have to purchase some juice or grapes or kits too. Kinda disappointing isn't it?