We assessed the amount of primary bud kill resulting from the low temperature on February 13th. Mortality was severe in most of the plantings. We had a low winter temperatures of -9 recorded here at the at the station in December 2022. Grapevines were healthy going into winter. Samples were collected from the following unpruned cultivars and … [Read more...] about Primary bud mortality assessment of grapevines
The field crew started tomato seeds today in the greenhouse. Once these plants are ready they will be transplanted to the high tunnel. For high tunnel tomato transplants. It is typical to sow seeds 5-7 weeks before you anticipate transplanting. The ground temperature in the high tunnel should reach 60 degrees F at the depth of 2 inches before the plants are … [Read more...] about Tomato Seeds Started in the Greenhouse
The field crew used this rainy day to work inside the high tunnel. There is an area of the tunnel has flooding issues no matter what we do. Drainage work has been done, soil amendments, nothing seems to work, so we are building a raised bed in that spot. … [Read more...] about Building a Raised Bed in the High Tunnel
Today we had our annual Christmas potluck luncheon. We enjoyed plenty of delicious food and desserts. Dr. Brown, Jean, Li-Ling, Jacob, and Achyut and Tabinda were able to join us from main campus. We also enjoyed visiting with several members of faculty and staff that have recently retired as well. And of course, the Christmas tie competition continued. Photos by Li-Ling … [Read more...] about Christmas Party
Catawba grapes are one of our hardier grape varieties, so we prune them earlier in the dormant season than the more cold tender varieties. We started pruning Monday, November, 28th. Based upon suggested pruning formulas and pruning weights we are leaving 20 buds this year. Pruning weight was down from last year in the research vineyard, in part because it is and older … [Read more...] about Pruning Catawba Grapes