Pruning Grapes- You can do it!

Yes - it is possible and even easy to prune grapes your way in your yard for your personal uses. 

Whether you are cane pruning or spur pruning, here are several good resources to go to for explanation and training, with both written documents and videos.

Arbor, arch style, makes it easier to pick grapes

The Parma Research Center has an excellent grape program and 

Tom Ellies & Dr. Essie Fallahi, Parma Research grapes

Dr. Essie Fallahi has provided years of research to the Vitaculture Program. He has written many papers on the subject of grapes. 

Hopefully this information will inspire you to learn more about grapes  and how to make the most of them. 

Get your Shamrocks for St. Paddy's Day!

Shamrocks represent good luck and are a 

popular house plant, especially around Saint Patrick’s Day when they are in stores everywhere! Shamrocks are easy to grow if you follow these five simple and easy to remember step

·       Shamrocks prefer direct sunlight, be sure to place your plant in a window where it will receive plenty of light. Shamrocks will flower, even during winter, if they receive enough light. Each night the plant's leaflets fold up , then reopen in sunlight the following day.

·       Shamrocks like food! Fertilize them regularly with either a liquid houseplant or time release fertilizer during their 

     growing season- always following label instructions.

·     As a houseplant, they prefer moist soil. Avoid allowing your shamrock to dry out during the growing season.

·       Give your shamrock a growing temperature between 50 and 70 ^°F during the growing season. They can be placed outside after danger of frost has passed and are a beautiful addition to your pots or in a grouping of pots.

·       Shamrocks have a dormant period. When your shamrock
 goes dormant, usually in late summer, don’t fret! Just place 
it in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight for 2-3 months. The purple-leaf types only need one month of dormancy!

Since your shamrock grows from small bulbs, it's easy to divide and create new plants. Here's a short video with how-to steps for propagating.  

Happy St. Paddy's Day to you!