Every autumn, the vine seems to begin its winter break, but in reality, the future of the next harvest is already being decided beneath the bark.
Who has never dreamed of seeing their vines laden with juicy, sweet grapes the following summer? However, a simple, often overlooked task can make all the difference at this crucial time in October. Ready to discover this winegrower’s secret that will boost the generosity of your harvest?
October in the garden: why vines need a little help
At the beginning of autumn, nature slows down, but vines remain attuned to the signals from the garden. As the leaves take on golden hues, the plant already begins to prepare its reserves to face the cold and start afresh in spring. This is the right time to help vines channel their energy where it will matter most: in the formation of fruit-bearing buds.
Who hasn’t dreamed of picking their own juicy redcurrants, tart blackcurrants or almost sweet gooseberries straight from the garden at the end of winter, without having to spend their weekends there?
Vines have their own rhythm. Before entering dormancy, they store precious resources in their young shoots that will nourish future fruit. If pruning is done too late or too early, this natural process may be slowed down. In early October, there are a few signs that indicate the ideal time: the leaves turn yellow, the sap slows down and the branches have finished growing. Also watch out for the first cool nights, as they signal the start of the best time to prune!
The winegrowers’ secret: precise pruning at the right time
The secret of the most fruity wines lies not only in the grape variety or the terroir… It also lies in the short pruning carried out on young canes just before winter. This simple operation, which takes just a few minutes, directs the vigour of the vine towards the production of fruit buds, rather than simple leaves or useless wood.
Recognising which shoots to prune is easier than it looks. Choose this year’s shoots, which are supple, brown and about the thickness of a pencil: these are the ones that will bear your future grapes. Leave two or three buds (the small, clearly visible swellings) on each selected shoot. Cut off any branches that are too thin or too old without regret!
In terms of equipment, all you need is a sharp, clean pair of secateurs to prevent disease. Place the blade just above an eye, at an angle, to protect the bud from moisture and rot. No need to spend hours on it: a beautiful vine can be achieved in just a few precise steps!
More buds, more bunches: the concrete benefits of this intervention
By opting for short pruning in October, you send a powerful signal to the vine: it is on these selected canes that all the energy of the sap must be concentrated. The result? The remaining buds gain strength and become bearers of beautiful bunches for the next season. This promises a more consistent, abundant harvest of significantly higher quality, both in the garden and in the family orchard.
But be careful: a few mistakes can compromise everything. Pruning too severely, leaving only one bud, weakens the plant and limits the harvest. Conversely, pruning too long disperses the vine’s strength and does not promote the multiplication of bunches. Finally, don’t forget to disinfect your tools to prevent diseases and fungi from invading the fresh wounds.
Caring for your vines after pruning: the little extras that make all the difference
After cutting, it is a good idea to protect the wounds with a healing sealant or a simple clay-based coating. This insulates the cane from the elements and limits the onset of wood diseases. A light mulch of dead leaves at the foot of the vine will also maintain gentle humidity and enrich the soil with humus until spring.
Start planning for the next season: keep an eye out for late frosts and, in March, add a little well-rotted compost at the base of each plant. Light watering after pruning (if the autumn is particularly dry) helps the vines regain their strength before their winter rest.
Remember the essentials: a simple autumn task for a flourishing and productive vine
In the garden, it is often the small seasonal rituals that make all the difference. Remember these tips to boost your next harvest:
- Observe each vine from the beginning of October so you can take action before the first frosts.
- Identify and prune young canes, keeping only two or three productive buds.
- Disinfect your tools and protect the cuts to limit the spread of disease.
- Mulch and fertilise the soil to strengthen the vines before winter.
- Plan your spring maintenance (compost, sensible watering) to support the regrowth of vegetation.
