It is that time of year again, here on Jug Creek. Our two acre vineyard is ready for pruning. There are approximately 900 vines, and from the looks of them, despite a very poor crop last year, they underwent extremely vigorous growth. This means tangles, huge and fibrous canes, and much silent and not so silent cussing.
The vineyard sits on a hill overlooking the house and barn. Although the hill is surely not tremendous, it becomes somewhat of a chore when one climbs it 6-8 times per day, often toting a huge black plastic sled filled with clippings.
These are vines in need of pruning. This shot overlooks my workshop.
A close up shot of vines that have yet to be pruned.
I am being brutal with pruning this year, and cutting out/back some of the old trunks and tying ones that grew just last year.
Vines that have been pruned....
...and some more
This pile of prunings, which will be burned when we are done with the entire vineyard, seems much larger than any other year. This I attribute to the vigorous growth. I am uncertain as to why there was such vigorous growth as we do not fertilize nor water. Vigorous growth of the vines is not necessarily a good thing, and often retards the crop.
Still, on a nice sunny day like yesterday, no matter the hard work, it is wonderful to be up there in the sun while overlooking Jug Creek and this beautiful valley.
