Dry Weather

The vines are green and growing, but the grass and cover crops are looking thirsty.

Established vines have an extensive root system and can find water deep in the subsoil. The exception is young vines that have not had enough time to send roots down deep. In the early years of Hardscrabble we experimented with drip irrigation, but found that it was unnecessary for vines over five years old. Subsequently, in certain dry years we did put in temporary irrigation systems for baby vines.

The dry weather has made for an easy growing season. Slow vine growth, no mowing and no rain-related fungus disease pressure has allowed us to focus on fine tuning the canopy and fruit zone. We are not sure if we want rain or not. Not that it matters.

If we don’t get a good soaking rain in the next few weeks we could see some vines go into water stress. A little stress later in the summer is good, but it is possible to have too much of a “good” thing.

On a lighter note, we had an unexpected visitor while working the vines. Jonathan was able to carry this fawn outside the deer fence to reunite it with its mother.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal/Field Notes: June 12, 2023