In the vineyard-October
Vigilant and nervous frost watch continues. The timely addition of seaweed preparations seems to be working as we’ve had 7 frost events so far this season, with no ill effects from any of them.
3 days of very strong, very cold wind early in the month burned the odd shoot tip, but all the affected shoots have continue to grow through the damage and all appear fruitful and healthy.
Next spring, during frost risk period, we will trial Biodynamic sprays of Valerian tincture (507), in addition to seaweed, as we endeavour to take Brook Eden’s vineyards and pasture down the Organic/Biodynamic path.
With that as a goal, we are setting aside part of the vineyard to trial Biodynamic practices this season. We’ll learn from that and expand the program next season.
We’re doing the same with some pasture paddocks. We’re expecting some rather happy cows in about 6 months.
Budburst throughout the vineyard is looking very even, with virtually no sign of non-fruitful shoots. All shoots have had to struggle a little due to the cold, windy start to spring. Chardonnay started on the 19th September 4 days later than normal and the Pinot had a 2 week sleep in, before it bolted away in the warmth of October.
We would normally be removing non-fruitful shoots about now, however we’ll amend that this year to just removing any weak or late shoots.
We do preliminary bunch counts now, as a very early indicator of potential yield, while it’s easy to see well-formed inflorescences and start shoot-positioning/wire lifting end of the month and into November.
The Welcome Swallows are back, renovating last years nests, there’s other flying critters building nests all over the place, the Peacocks are randy, strutting their displays and sqwarkin at all hours and the Swamp Harries run constant CAP over the wetland.
Spring is grand.
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