In 2024, grapes thrive, producing heavy crops despite drought. The lack of dormancy due to high temperatures requires more compost. #LoveHomeGrown.
The Best Plants Of 2024 Part 4 Read More »
Gallery, Grapes, What is thriving this season?
The key to successful plant growth lies in balancing micromanagement with flexibility. Adapting care to individual plant needs yields resilience, higher yields, and better quality produce, demonstrating the value of flexibility over control. #LoveHomeGrown.
Doing What Works for You Read More »
Benefits of Gardening, Grapes, Plant Care
A challenging environment in Lusaka for table grape farming has led to two additional promising varieties: Green Seeded and Black Seedless grapes. These varieties thrive in adverse conditions, offering delightful flavours and multiple annual harvests. #LoveHomeGrown.
Finding the Right Grape Varieties Read More »
Grapes, What is thriving this season?
An update on grape farming experience in 2023: Atypical weather resulted in difficulties in pruning, hidden grape bunches, and varied fruiting among grape varieties. Suggestions include harvesting grapes optimally, controlling fungal infections and using alternating prevention methods, avoiding tight clusters during the rainy season, adding compost to fruit-bearing varieties, and reducing nitrogen-containing soil supplements for vine varieties.
Grapes: Lessons Learned in 2023 Read More »
Grapes, What is thriving this season?
Muscadine grapes, native to the southern U.S., are recognized for their large, round, aromatic fruits and resistance to high heat, humidity, and heavy rain. These vine fruits, most of which are seeded, have a tough skin that protects them from birds and are hardy, though labour-intensive to maintain. They create lush shade ideal for heat-sensitive plants and offer a long harvest period despite our recent harsh climate.
Muscadine Grapes in Summer Drought Read More »
Grapes, What is thriving this season?
The variety and growing conditions of grapes determine their color, sweetness, and resistance to diseases. Heavy rains, excessive heat, drought, or soil pH during ripening can affect grape quality. Muscadine varieties produce larger grapes requiring sturdy supports. Grape leaves can be harvested for use in salads, wraps, stews, pickles, and soups, providing nutrients such as vitamin C, K, and fiber. The post concludes with an invitation to share recipes and visit an online store selling grape plants.
Seedless grapes may occasionally produce seeds under stressful conditions or in young vines. The size and quality of grape berries and bunches increase as the grapevine matures. During the early growth years, expect smaller, less sweet grapes. Harvesting should be done when the grapes have fully ripened for optimal taste, but watch out for birds and fungal diseases. Storage in a vegetable/fruit tray may help ripening and enhance sweetness. Wine grapes are typically less sweet than table grapes.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Grape Plants Read More »
Grapes, What is thriving this season?
As spring arrives, the grape varieties awaken from dormancy, with early varieties already ripening due to warm days in the winter. Pruning was essential for larger summer crops, while midseason and late-season grapes continue to grow. Challenges include flower and fruit drop, and fungal diseases. Ensuring adequate watering, occasional trimming, and strong, termite-free support is advised.
Grape Plants in Spring Read More »
Grapes, Sale, Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics