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  • From: "William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>
  • To: NAFEX List <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Concord Grapes
  • Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:05:24 -0500

I've got a couple of Concord grapevines that are about four years old. For the past two years, I've gotten tons of grapes from them, and they're absolutely delicious (they've completely spoiled me for grocery store grapes - although some of my friends and family won't touch them, because they have seeds!).

Anyway, the only (minor) problem is that the vines grow like crazy over the summer. They're about 12 feet apart, and they still grow canes that go clear past the other vine. I'm just amazed at how long the new growth gets - and so much of it! - in just one season. It becomes a huge tangle. I tried leaving more canes last year, without much effect, but this year, I plan to let them produce at least twice as many grapes, just to see if it will keep the vine growth under control (and it will be nice to have the grapes, too, of course).

My question is this: What's the downside if I let them produce TOO many grapes (as is likely this year, I suspect)? Fewer grapes next year? Poor quality grapes? Both? Anything really serious?

Second, would this mostly depend on the light available? I've got guy wires on both sides of one vine, to help keep the fence upright, so I can train some canes on those and get plenty of light to each cane. The grapes have been very good the past couple of years, so I don't want to ruin them, just tame the growth a bit. Any problem with giving this a try?

Thanks,

Bill
Lincoln, NE (zone 5)

--
I believe that complete separation of church and state is one of those miraculous things which can be best for religion and best for the state, and the best for those who are religious and those who are not religious. - Leo Pfeffer





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