How to Plant Grape Seedlings
This article introduces some small green plant maintenance experiences on how to plant grape seedlings and the correct methods for grape seedling cultivation. Let's dive into the details.
Grapes are a type of fruit we often eat. In recent years, with the continuous rise in market prices, more and more fruit farmers are planting grapes in various places. Many novices lack experience in seedling cultivation and grafting, leading to a low survival rate of seedlings and affecting normal growth. Based on my years of experience, I have summarized the following three points for reference by beginners:
1. Pre-planting False Planting of Seedlings
After purchasing the seedlings, if it's too early to plant them due to concerns of frost damage in winter or because the land is not ready or due to rain and other reasons, the seedlings generally cannot be planted promptly and need to be treated for false planting to prevent the roots and branches from losing water and drying out or rotting. The specific method is:
In a corner of the house or courtyard, or in a simple shed, use moist sand or fine soil (both should be able to form a ball in your hand and easily crumble when scattered), first sprinkle some water on the ground to prevent the ground from absorbing the moisture from the sand and soil near the ground. Then, spread a 3-5 inch thick layer of wet sand or fine soil. Place the seedlings with the roots against each other flat on the sand (soil), making sure the roots do not overlap. After arranging them, cover the roots completely with sand (soil), and then continue to stack them up in the same way. Repeat this stacking process, with the top layer covered more thickly. Cover the top layer of sand (soil) with a film, making sure not to cover the branches with the film to avoid suffocation. Every half a month, sprinkle some water around the edges. If the seedlings are stored in the yard, cover them with a breathable material to keep them warm and prevent freezing. Make sure to close the windows and doors of the room or simple shed to prevent drafts.
2. For Planting Before Winter, Cover with Fine Soil After Planting
In areas where the lowest winter temperature is -6 degrees Celsius or above, if you want to plant before winter, you need to cover the cut branches with fine soil after planting. You can uncover the soil before the seedlings sprout the following year. In areas where the winter temperature is below -6 degrees Celsius, additional mulch with plastic film is required to ensure the seedlings can survive the winter. In the south, where the lowest temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius, there is no need to cover the soil to prevent frost, and seedlings can be planted from autumn to the end of March. Before covering the soil, you can cut off the long branches, leaving only two plump buds near the roots (for grafted seedlings, leave two plump buds above the grafting joint). This technique not only facilitates covering the soil but also helps promote strong sprouts and growth in the spring.
3. Key Points for Planting Seedlings
1. Regardless of when you plant the seedlings, soak them in water for a day (both roots and branches should be soaked in water, but only the roots of seedlings that have already sprouted should be soaked).
2. Before planting, trim the roots to 10 centimeters in length to aid water absorption and promote growth.
3. After planting, promptly remove excessive buds, leaving only two plump buds. For grafted seedlings, leave two plump buds above the grafting joint. Do not leave too many buds, as this can hinder the vigorous growth of the seedlings.
4. In the first year of planting, it is essential to use plastic mulch (black plastic mulch can inhibit weed growth), which helps conserve water and increase soil temperature, promoting growth. Combined with timely and precise water and fertilizer management, the first year of management is the most critical. Many customers believe that there is no need for extensive management in the first year since there are no fruits yet, but this is a misconception. Only through careful management can we achieve the goals of shaping in the first year, abundant yield in the second year, and high yield in the third year.
The above introduces the complete content on how to plant grape seedlings and the correct methods for grape seedling cultivation, providing you with a comprehensive understanding and reference.