By Allison Hogue
It is that time again here in the Panhandle and Grape Capital of Texas, for the annual pruning of the vines to start. Although Terry County has been populated by this avenue of agriculture, it is a less-widely known process compared to what we have been used to like the production of cotton. The process of pruning starts in February, weather permitting, and is a process that is carefully done to protect the crop for the coming months.
How it Works
The process of pruning is essential to the survival of the vines for the next year. In vines that are mature, the process starts with cutting away wood and plant debris that would stunt the growth of the buds. The pruners will be mindful to leave the fruitful canes from previous years. Usually, a good fruit-bearing cane is about four feet long and a quarter of an inch thick.
It is common to see the practice of pruning by number, where it is taken into consideration that the two buds at the base of a cane are most fruitful and therefore left on the plant to make up the seasons crop. Pruning this way allows growers to estimate their crop size, because each fruitful bud should yield one cluster of grapes. Of course, the weather is a big factor in this practice, but it is a handy way to get a hopeful read on the crop for the year!
Pruning is a craft of a sort for the individuals that are knowledgeable in the field, and it is pertinent for the production of crops. Not only is it important for the year that the pruning takes place, but even the year after.
