What to feed grapes with in autumn: fertilisers and autumn treatment
· Valerii Korolko · 4 min read
Why grapes need autumn feeding
I think you have noticed that after a generous summer, grapes in many beginners' vineyards look somewhat exhausted. Instead of "going to sleep" on time, they keep growing slowly and then survive the winter poorly. And, as a result, the next year's harvest… well, let's say, is not great.
You must realise that autumn feeding of grapes is not just a recommendation but a vital necessity. After the summer, when the bush has given so much strength to the growth of the vine and the ripening of the clusters, it simply needs support. Autumn feeding helps the vine to ripen, the roots to accumulate strength, and the whole bush to prepare calmly for frosts. So, let's go through the questions: what to feed grapes with, what to treat grapes with in autumn, treating grapes for winter, what to fertilise grapes with in autumn and how to feed your grapes.
When to feed grapes: the important moment
At first glance this may seem illogical, but the best time is right after you have picked the harvest. I do it while the leaves are still green and working actively. This usually happens somewhere from the end of August into September. If you delay and feed grapes in October, when it gets colder, it will no longer be as effective. So, when I am asked when to feed grapes and with what, I always say: "Hurry, do not wait until the vine stops growing".
What to feed grapes with to prepare for winter
Mineral fertilisers
All beginners make the same mistake: they add nitrogen in autumn, thinking it will be beneficial. But then they realise that it simply forces the shoots to grow, and they do not have time to ripen and just freeze. So in autumn I use phosphorus-potassium and potassium fertilisers. They make the vine stronger and help the wood to ripen, which is a direct path to successful overwintering. Here is what I usually take:
- Superphosphate – it is like vitamins for the roots. It strengthens them and helps to set buds for the next year.
- Potassium sulphate – my favourite remedy for winter hardiness. It makes the vine stronger and helps the wood ripen better. Potassium fertilisers are also needed while the berries ripen, because they are responsible for their sugar content.
- Monopotassium phosphate – a very convenient product. I simply dilute it and use it both for watering and for spraying.
This is classic autumn feeding of grapes, and it never lets you down.
Organic feeds
As for organic matter: such feeding of grapes not only nourishes the plant but also improves the soil structure itself. If the question arises of what you can feed grapes with: among natural options, compost or well-rotted manure is the best choice.
Ready-made autumn mixes
To be honest, there is not always the time or desire to fiddle with proportions. So some manufacturers create ready-made complexes marked "autumn". They contain no nitrogen, but have all the necessary elements. For beginners it is simply a find.
Autumn treatment of grapes
I realised that feeding grapes is only half of the job. The other half is autumn treatment of grapes, which helps keep them healthy.
Protection against diseases
Over the years I have become convinced: pathogens always remain on the vine. If they are not destroyed, in spring they will "wake up" and spoil the whole vineyard. So I always treat with fungicides. This is my answer to the question of what to treat grapes with in autumn.
Pest prevention
If you do not pay attention to this, next spring you will have problems with mites: pest larvae overwinter very well under the bark. So I advise spraying the vine and the ground under the bushes. This reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises in spring.
Strengthening the vine
Another secret: additionally treat the vine with potassium preparations. They make it stronger and help it withstand frosts. This is, by the way, a very practical answer to the question: what to treat grapes with for winter.
How to apply fertiliser correctly
Root method
Most often this is done through the roots. Fertilisers are applied in trenches at a distance of 30–40 cm from the bush. The main thing is to water well afterwards. That way the feed for grapes is absorbed better.
Foliar spraying
This is like "first aid" for grapes. If the vine is getting weaker, use a solution of monopotassium phosphate. Do this in dry, windless weather.
Conclusions from my experience
- Autumn feeding of grapes is a must. Otherwise the bush will go into winter weakened.
- The main thing in what to feed grapes with in autumn is phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen – only in spring.
- Use only well-rotted organic matter.
- Remember autumn treatment of grapes against diseases. It is just as important as fertilisers.
- Use both root and foliar feeding for a better result.
To sum up, here is my advice: give grapes phosphorus and potassium in autumn, treat them against diseases and pests, strengthen the vine – and then they will certainly repay you with a generous harvest.
And if you need help choosing quality Prayon mineral fertilisers we will always be happy to help you.
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