What About Using Horse Manure Around Grapevines?

Before Planting

• Grapes don't need highly fertile soil, but they do need well-drained soil. Sandy soils warm up quickly and drain well, providing optimal conditions for grapes. If you have heavy clay soil, dig 3 inches of well-rotted manure into the soil to a depth of 12 inches before planting the grapevines. The manure will lighten the soil and improve drainage as well as provide a source of nitrogen as it breaks down.

Yearly Applications

• Mulch grapevines annually in the spring with a 3-inch layer of rotted manure. The manure conserves moisture and keeps weeds down as it provides nitrogen to the plants. If growth is lagging, apply two handfuls each of bone, blood and fish meal per square yard. Don't dig the amendments in because grapes have shallow roots that are easily damaged by cultivation. Just sprinkle the amendments on top of the soil and water well to activate them.

Considerations

• Never apply fresh manure to the grapevines. The manure gives off ammonia as it decomposes and may burn the roots and leaves of the grapevine. Instead, use well-rotted or composted horse, cow, sheep or chicken manure. Any animal that eats hay may potentially pass undigested weed seeds into the manure which may later sprout in your grapevines. Compost manure at high heat or use compost instead of manure if this is a concern. Many gardeners feel the benefits of using manure outweigh the potential negatives, especially if you use mulches or other practices to reduce weed growth.

General Care

• In addition to yearly fertilizing and mulching, grapevines need full sun and good air circulation to ripen the crop and prevent diseases. Water grapes frequently immediately after planting until they become established. Once new growth emerges, grapes are fairly drought tolerant. Water them during very dry weather and when the buds begin to form fruit. Grapes need yearly training and pruning to keep their vigor and health.