tonyhibbett
Landlord.
As West London is officially the hottest place in the UK, then my vineyard is well placed and well ahead of any others, judging by reports coming in. I set up a wind break against the prevailing westerlies and covered the beds with slate scree, which acts as a radiator. The combined effect raises the temperature even higher. The bugs have all been killed off and although there are pockets of resistance from powdery mildew. So far this has only affected 2% of the potential crop, as opposed to 100% last year, at this stage. However, this success has exposed soil deficiencies due to long term neglect. It has become too acidic, compacted and devoid of humus, causing chlorosis, the inability to produce chlorophyll, without which the vines will die, and 3 more perished last year.
The short to medium term solution involved massive amounts of garden lime, plus spraying with magnesium sulphate and sequestered iron, the benefits of which are beginning to show but won't really fully materialise until next year.
Nonetheless, I do expect a crop this year, although predators must be dealt with. First in line are the birds. I have enough netting, but much of this has yet to be installed. The other threat is human. I have put up a warning sign stating that the leaves and grapes have been sprayed with fungicides and other treatments which make them harmful to eat, which is true. How effective this sign is remains to be seen!
The short to medium term solution involved massive amounts of garden lime, plus spraying with magnesium sulphate and sequestered iron, the benefits of which are beginning to show but won't really fully materialise until next year.
Nonetheless, I do expect a crop this year, although predators must be dealt with. First in line are the birds. I have enough netting, but much of this has yet to be installed. The other threat is human. I have put up a warning sign stating that the leaves and grapes have been sprayed with fungicides and other treatments which make them harmful to eat, which is true. How effective this sign is remains to be seen!
