Grape vines not only provide delicious grapes, but are also decorative. Here you can find out everything you need to know about when, how and with what to fertilize wine.
The grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is considered one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and was already of great importance in ancient times. For a long time, wine could only be grown in mild regions. In the meantime, however, there are modern varieties that reliably produce fruit and produce sweet grapes even in cooler regions. In order for your vine to remain he althy and provide a great harvest, it needs good care. An annual pruning and regular fertilization are essential for this.
The vine can grow very quickly and luxuriantly. After the annual pruning, you should therefore provide them with sufficient nutrients. But when, how and with what is the best way to fertilize the grapevine? We'll get to the bottom of these questions in more detail in this article.
When in the year should the vines be fertilized?
New vines can be planted in late fall or early spring (April). You can start fertilizing here. Poor soil should be enriched with compost or manure beforehand. After planting, you can also apply some organic fertilizer in granular form - such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer - to the soil. This provides the plant with sufficient nutrients in the initial phase.
After basic fertilization in spring, a second application of fertilizer is recommended at the time of flowering and fruit formation (end of June). The last fertilization should be carried out three to four weeks before the autumn harvest. A sufficient supply of nutrients (especially potassium) helps in this phase with ripening and reduces frost damage. It is best to use organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. This is particularly gentle on plants, soil and animals in the garden.
Summary: when in the year should the vines be fertilized?
- Incorporate compost or manure into the soil before planting
- Basic fertilization in spring (end of April) with organic long-term fertilizer
- Second application of fertilizer for flowering and fruit formation (end of June)
- Last fertilization before harvest (August/September)
Tip from the professional: A layer of grass clippings mulch reduces evaporation from the soil and provides the vines with additional organic nutrients.
Grape fertiliser: how and with what to fertilize vines?
Grape vines can be fertilized in different ways. You can find more about the individual procedures and our recommendations below.
Fertilize grapevines organically: Instructions
Both from a scientific and especially from a sustainable point of view, it is advisable to use organic long-term fertilizers in organic quality in your own garden. These also offer many advantages when fertilizing grapevines, for example:
- Long-term nutrient supply to the grapevine through slow decomposition by microorganisms in the soil
- Stimulation of biological activity in the soil (good for microorganisms, earthworms etc.)
- Because there are no chemicals, it is particularly gentle on people, pets and garden animals
Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer consists mainly of purely organic, plant-based raw materials and offers an ideal nutrient composition for supplying your vines. Sufficient nitrogen promotes growth and leaf formation. A high proportion of potassium and phosphorus also optimally supports your plant in the development of flowers and fruit. To ensure that you supply your vine with the right amount of nutrients, we have prepared detailed instructions for you below:
Organic long-term fertilization: instructions and dosages for grapevines
- Before planting: Work 70 - 100 g per plant of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer into the upper soil layers
- Water the freshly planted plant well so that the granulate can loosen
- After 2 months you should fertilize 50 - 80 g per plant
- A little fertilization, about 3 to 4 weeks before the harvest, supports the vine again optimally
Tip: To avoid any unpleasant surprises during the grape harvest, read our special article on how to protect grapes from wasps and birds.
Fertilize vines with minerals
Blue grain, liquid fertilizer and Co. are easily soluble and can be absorbed directly by the plant. Because these mineral fertilizers for a certain basic supply of the plantworries, people like to use them in the garden. However, if used improperly, the high s alt concentrations in fertilizers can burn roots. In addition, the s alts can be washed out into deeper soil layers and lead to increased nitrate levels in the groundwater there. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are slowly broken down by microorganisms in the soil, providing the plant with nutrients over a longer period of time. We therefore recommend using organic long-term fertilizers.
Fertilize vines with home remedies: nettle manure and co.
During flowering and fruit formation, you can also fertilize with nettle or comfrey manure. You can easily set these up yourself. Before use, however, they should be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:10 to avoid burning the plant. In dry areas, it is also advisable to apply a mulch layer of grass clippings. This helps to better retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and improves the soil structure over the long term through ongoing decomposition.
Something that occurs in almost every household is also dried coffee grounds for fertilization. You can sprinkle the actual waste product on the floor and gently work it in. The organic material is slowly decomposed and provides your vines with additional nutrients. However, you should not fertilize with coffee grounds too often, because in the long run this will lower the pH value of the soil into the acidic range.
Tip from the professional: Ash from untreated wood is also suitable for fertilizing grapevines. However, you should only use this sparingly, as it is very rich in lime and over time increases the pH value of the soil to the basic range.
You can find more information about planting grapevines and different varieties in our special article.