Starting Cuttings

James Zimmerman

James Zimmerman

— 1 min read
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Starting Cuttings
a dozen Leon Millot cuttings, potted.

To get to a healthy start that can weather the rigors of the vineyard, I am using a hybrid system, meant to increase the likelihood that a cutting will survive the process, but also without a heavy investment of labor.

cuttings stored in a tub with 4" of water
some will have developed roots after 3-5 weeks
I push a slot into the potting soil using four fingers, insert the rooted cutting, then use the same motion to gently move soil from the side back to the middle

Give the potted cuttings a dowsing rinse, so the soil will compress snugly to the vine and roots.

Add more soil and repeat the dowsing.

These starts will be sensitive to heat, light and drought until their roots grow more numerous. To make them vineyard ready in one year, keep them moist all summer and add gentle fertilizer weekly.

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