Bud Break at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards
Another true sign of spring is bud break! All winter long the vines are dormant, their energy is stored deep in their roots. This allows the vines to survive Idaho's cold winters, as low as -10 degrees if necessary. (The cold temperatures are another reason that Idaho has fewer pest and disease problems than more temperate climates.)
As spring approaches we begin pruning the old dead shoots from the previous year. In the meantime, the vines are waiting for the ground to warm. As the plants awaken, there is softening along the cordon arms of each vine, where the new buds will appear. This softening looks like bits of whitish spider web along the cordons. Then the buds break, tender bits of pink and green along the length of the vine. The buds grow quickly. Soon the vineyard will be awash in the colors of spring!
Labels: organic vineyards

