Recommended Practices in Growing Organic Grapes

Nowadays, people in America and all over the world already have an idea on what organic farming is which is the growing of crops or fruits with organic means and with minimal or no use of synthetic chemicals. However, organic farming should also include the concept of sustainability in which the farm or orchard should be able to maintain itself indefinitely and should be able to meet the current needs of the existing generation while ensuring its capability to meet the needs of future generations.

Organic farming has the intention of producing food that is both clean and healthy through methods which are environmentally friendly. Most fruits can now be grown organically. Grapes have been grown organically since 1986 and most grapes have continued to be grown organically to this date.
In order to grapes organically, four factors should be clearly looked at. These factors are: (1) soil building, (2) disease control, (3) pest control, and (4) weed control.

In growing organic grapes, soil building should first be given emphasis. Soil building has the premise that if you feed the soil properly, then you are also feeding the plant properly. A soil which is rich in nutrients and is suitable for planting would produce healthy grape vines. Mixing compost with the soil is the best technique to ensure soil richness. Also, the use of cover crops can protect the soil from erosion during winter rains. A healthy grape vine planted in rich soil is less prone to insect attack and to disease infections.

In disease control, the best offense is always a good defense. When growing organic grapes, a lot of focus should be given to the prevention of the occurrence of diseases. One way to prevent mildew and fungal infection on grapes is to properly position the leaf canopy to increase the air flow and to ensure that the sun’s rays penetrates to the vines, leaves and fruit. The proper positioning of the canopy prevents an environment that encourages mold growth. The use of sulfur spray to prevent the start of mildew and soap spray to eliminate mildew is also recommended.

One major problem of grape farmers is pest control. When growing organic grapes, it is best to have an environment that encourages the growth of beneficial insects that prey on those insects that do damage to the grapes. Maintaining hedgerows where these predatory insects can thrive and multi-cropping are good practices in pest control. Using nets and fences to keep small animals away are also recommended practices for organic grape growing.
Regular tilling and mechanical removal of weeds is the best organic practice for weed control.