One of the key parts to sustainable grape growing is cover crops. Using cover crops provides many advantages in the vineyard, both economically and ecologically. The cover crops listed here thrive in the soil types and climatic conditions preferred by vines, and provide several benefits. A healthy cover crop covers the ground thoroughly and prevents weed seeds from germinating. It also prevents erosion and water loss, which can be particularly problematic on steeper hillsides. Cover crop plants tend to infuse the soil with nutrients used by vines, and when the plants die, they can be tilled under to further enrich humus levels.
Cover crop is typically made up of flowers and other aesthetically pleasing plants, so planting adds beauty and depth to the vineyard row. Beneficial insects often make their homes within this layer, allowing them to assist with pest control in the vineyard.
Interestingly, cover crop produces thermal benefits for the vineyard as well, acting as an insulation layer and keeping the vineyard cooler in the summer and warmer in the vineyard. A few degrees of extra warmth during frost season, for example, can make all the difference!
Author and poet, Gertrude Stein, may have written one of the most memorable phrases when she penned, “Rose is a rose is a rose,” but this lovely blooming beauty is far more valuable when its function in the vineyard is taken into consideration.
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Annual grasses like barley are commonly used for reducing soil erosion and increasing frost protection. Perfect for cool and dry growing areas, barley is often found throughout Santa Barbara County.
When are weeds not weeds? When they enhance the growing environment for wine grapes.
Grape farmers have many options when it comes to selecting cover crops and each contributes differently to grape production. While the common mallow is not the first choice for a springtime vase filled with flowers and is often considered a weed, for the wine grape farmer, it is a welcome addition to the cover crop arsenal.
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Fava beans are beautiful, edible, and beneficial legumes that most vineyards include among their many cover crops. The plant makes many important contributions to the health of a vineyard, but, most importantly, it improves the quality of the soil by adding more nitrogen.
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Those pretty little daisy-like wildflowers you see among the vines are there for more than appearances. You may be familiar with chamomile in its most popular form: tea.
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Sweet peas are edible little gems that brighten vineyard rows and provide considerable benefits to grape vines. Their charming little flowers come in many colors, and aside from being attractive, they are an extremely valuable vineyard cover crop.