UNDER COVER

Grapevines benefit from regular pruning to keep them healthy, in shape and for abundant harvests.

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If you haven't already pruned your undercover grapevines, get it done in January before the sap starts to flow. Leaving it too late can cause the cuts to bleed sap, which weakens the plant.

When winter pruning, the plan is to cut back last year’s growth to the permanent, older branches. Prune these younger branches using sharp, clean secateurs back to a couple of buds (approx 8-10cm). In the spring, this is where new growth will grow from. Use loppers to prune back high-up, hard-to-reach branches.

Remove any damaged or diseased branches, and trim any mature branches that are not part of the framework that you want for the grapevine. Check that all ties supporting the grapevine to the framework are still holding well, and replace as needed.

Next, carefully wash the polythene or greenhouse glass adjacent to the grapevines with water, scrubbing off any old leaves stuck there with a soft brush. Finally, mulch the plants with compost to feed them throughout the upcoming growing season.

START CHILLIES, AUBERGINES AND SWEET PEPPERS