Caring for Spray FREE Grape Vines | Bagging Clusters, Thinning & Training

[@valerie3955]

I've had a vineyard for a few years. Same zone, but a different state. Was this successful last year, or is this your first year trying the bags? Also, black rot tends to slack off later. By the time your grapes are ready to sweeten to their peak, you might be able to remove the bags and get the increased fructose levels.

[@RossRaddi]

Good to know. This will be the third year bagging. Two successful years prior.

[@Nothanks123]

Do you have spotted lantern flies around your part? We are really struggling with them this season

[@Betty-qd8st]

I have them, my area had it bad 2 years ago. So far I’ve seen 5 nymphs .

[@bennagle2072]

Ross, what is your reasoning for spur pruning (VSP) training your vines? I believe spur pruning is best for straight vinefera, but with the labrusca hybrids you need to cane prune (lay down the 1yr old shoots to form new arms each year)?

[@ericnyamu9981]

Is that wax bag @6:00 big enough to hold a mature grape fruit? I think they are abit small.

[@leonardrackenstein1872]

You ever consider using organza bags for grape clusters? I got some bags on my table grapes now, same area as you 7a and for the last few weeks I haven’t seen any spots.

[@RossRaddi]

Organza bags won't prevent disease. I won't get a harvest without these bags.

[@nancypica1174]

Have you tried the translucent wax bags? Do you think they would let some sunlight in? Or should I stick to the brown wax bags. I’m in 7a also near Harrisburg PA. Spotted Lanternflies, Japanese Beetles, and now Black Rot on my grape vines. Ugh.

[@RossRaddi]

Translucent sounds like it'll create a greenhouse. They'll probably spoil.

[@nancypica1174]

Thanks! I’ll try the brown wax bags.

[@roccoconte2960]

life's. Like a lot of work baking those grapes

[@joanp105]

Is this number of grape clusters the usual amount on this vine in your zone?

[@RossRaddi]

In limited light, my Mars vine produces ~10 clusters.