Author: danilive

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Grapevine Tendrils and Lateral Shoots: Remove, Pinch or Leave?

Grapevine Tendrils and Lateral Shoots: Remove, Pinch or Leave?

Should you remove grapevine tendrils and lateral shoots in summer? The answer depends on the condition of the vine, how dense the canopy is, the grape variety and the strength of growth.

Lateral shoots are not always useless growth. They can support the vine and help feed the plant, but if the canopy becomes too crowded, they may reduce airflow, shade the fruiting zone and increase the risk of grapevine diseases.

Should You Remove Grapevine Tendrils?

Grapevine tendrils can be removed when they interfere with tying, canopy management or the position of shoots. The main goal is not to remove everything automatically, but to keep the vine organized and easy to care for.

What to Do With Lateral Shoots

In many cases, grapevine lateral shoots are pinched back to one or two leaves. This helps reduce excessive growth while still keeping some leaf area for the plant.

Large lateral shoots may need to be removed completely if they make the vine too dense, block airflow or create shade inside the canopy.

Why Grapevines Produce Too Many Lateral Shoots

Some varieties naturally produce more lateral shoots than others. Strong growth can also be caused by excess nitrogen, heavy feeding or an unbalanced vine.

That is why summer grapevine care should be based on observation, not one fixed rule for every plant.

How This Helps the Vine

Correct work with tendrils and lateral shoots can improve light, airflow and the overall health of the grapevine. It can also help reduce disease pressure and make the vine easier to manage later in the season.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical grape-growing videos, vineyard care tips and seasonal gardening advice.

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How to Tie Grapevines After Winter: Common Cane Tying Mistakes

How to Tie Grapevines After Winter: Common Cane Tying Mistakes

How to tie grapevines after winter correctly? Early-season grapevine tying is an important step in spring vineyard care. Correct positioning of the canes helps young shoots grow vertically, improves airflow and makes the vine easier to manage during the season.

This video focuses on tying grape canes and permanent arms after uncovering or lifting the vine from the ground. It is different from tying green grape shoots later in the growing season.

Why Should Fruiting Canes Be Tied Parallel to the Ground?

One of the main rules is to position fruiting canes parallel to the ground. This helps young shoots grow vertically and makes it easier to distribute growth evenly along the trellis.

The video shows a practical example of tying a four-arm fan-trained grapevine.

What Should You Use to Tie Grapevines?

Use a soft and flexible material that does not cut into the cane. A suitable tape or strip of film is often safer than regular string or rope.

The tie should hold the vine securely without damaging the plant.

Common Mistakes When Tying Grape Canes

Beginners often make several avoidable mistakes:

  • positioning the cane incorrectly;
  • tying the vine too tightly;
  • using hard string that may damage the cane;
  • placing all canes in one plane;
  • rushing to tie grapevines immediately after uncovering them.

If return frosts are still possible, it may be better not to rush. The timing should match your local weather conditions.

Why Use Different Levels on the Trellis?

Positioning canes in different levels or planes can improve airflow and make seasonal grapevine care easier. A well-organized vine receives more light and is less likely to become overcrowded.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical tips about spring vineyard care, grapevine training and growing grapes at home.

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How to Plant Grapevines: Best Location, Soil and Planting Method

How to Plant Grapevines: Best Location, Soil and Planting Method

How to plant grapevines correctly? Choosing the best location, preparing the soil and selecting a suitable planting method are important first steps toward growing healthy vines and creating a productive home vineyard.

In this practical video, you will see how the planting location can affect grapevine growth. We compare a vine growing beside the south-facing side of a building with a grapevine planted in an open area. The difference in shoot development is easy to notice.

Where Is the Best Place to Plant Grapevines?

A sunny location with enough space for future growth is important when planting grapes. Before choosing the site, consider sunlight, airflow, the future size of the mature vine and the position of the trellis or support system.

How Soil Affects the Planting Method

The best grapevine planting method depends on your soil. In some gardens, a standard planting hole is sufficient. In other conditions, additional preparation, drainage or a deep-watering pipe for root-zone irrigation may be useful.

The video explains why the method should be adapted to your property instead of following the same complicated planting scheme in every garden.

Common Grapevine Planting Mistakes

Beginners often make avoidable mistakes: choosing a poorly lit location, ignoring soil conditions, forgetting to plan the trellis or using a planting method that is unnecessarily complex.

It is easier to plan the site carefully before planting than to correct major problems later.

Practical Grapevine Planting Guide

The video briefly covers the main planting principles. A more detailed practical guide is available on the website.

The guide includes recommendations on choosing the best location, preparing the planting hole, adapting the method to different soil types and avoiding common mistakes.

The book is available in three language versions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical tips about planting grapevines, seasonal grape care and backyard gardening.

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How to Tie Grape Shoots and Thin a Grapevine: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Tie Grape Shoots and Thin a Grapevine: Step-by-Step Guide

Tying grape shoots and removing unwanted growth are two important parts of seasonal grapevine care. These jobs are closely connected: while positioning green shoots along the trellis, you can also evaluate which shoots should remain and which ones are making the canopy too crowded.

A well-organized grapevine is easier to inspect, care for and prepare for the future harvest. The goal is not to remove as much growth as possible. It is to create a balanced canopy with enough healthy shoots and enough space for sunlight and airflow.

This practical guide is designed for beginners. The English-language series is divided into three short videos so that each step is easier to follow.

Part 1: How to Tie Grape Shoots and Space Them Along the Trellis

The first video explains the basic approach to tying green grape shoots. You will learn why shoots should be positioned along the trellis, what materials are suitable for tying and why hard ties can damage young growth.

The video also explains the basic structure of a grapevine in simple language: the arm, the fruiting cane and the green shoot.

In this video:

  • how to tie grape shoots correctly;
  • why shoots should be spaced apart;
  • what to use for tying grape shoots;
  • how tying helps shape the canopy;
  • how many shoots may be left on a vine;
  • why shoot thinning and tying should be planned together.

Part 2: Which Grape Shoots Should You Remove?

The second video focuses on grapevine shoot thinning. It shows how to examine the whole vine before removing growth and how to avoid two common mistakes: leaving too many shoots or removing too much.

You will also see how to work with double shoots growing from the same bud, unwanted shoots on old wood and young shoots that may be useful for future vine structure.

In this video:

  • how to count shoots and grape clusters;
  • which extra shoots can be removed;
  • how to open up a crowded canopy;
  • when double shoots should be evaluated;
  • when a young replacement arm may be worth keeping;
  • why removing unwanted growth early can make future pruning easier.

Part 3: How to Thin a Crowded Grapevine Step by Step

The third video shows a mature, productive grapevine with dense growth. This is a practical example of how to make decisions step by step without weakening the plant.

A strong vine may be able to carry more shoots than a weaker one. That is why shoot thinning should not be mechanical. The condition of the plant, the number of grape clusters, the variety and the future structure of the vine all need to be considered.

In this video:

  • when to thin grapevine shoots;
  • how to evaluate a mature vine;
  • how to remove extra shoots near the base;
  • how to choose a possible fruiting cane for next year;
  • how to remove double and triple shoots;
  • whether non-fruiting shoots should stay;
  • when cluster thinning may also be considered later in the season.

Basic Rules for Tying and Thinning Grapevines

When working with a grapevine, move gradually along the trellis and inspect the entire plant before making major decisions.

A practical approach is to:

  1. Position healthy green shoots along the trellis.
  2. Use soft ties that do not cut into young growth.
  3. Keep enough space between shoots to avoid a dense canopy.
  4. Remove clearly unnecessary shoots while they are still easy to manage.
  5. Evaluate double and triple shoots carefully rather than removing growth automatically.
  6. Consider the strength of the vine and the number of clusters.
  7. Keep useful replacement growth when it may be needed for future formation.

Complete Grapevine Care Video Guide

The complete video guide combines the full process in one detailed tutorial: tying shoots, removing unwanted growth, evaluating double shoots and preventing an overloaded, overcrowded grapevine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should grape shoots be tied to a trellis?

It is easier to position shoots while they are still green and flexible. Check the vine regularly during active growth and adjust ties when needed.

What should I use to tie grape shoots?

Use a soft, flexible material that will not cut into the shoot as it grows. Avoid tight knots and hard materials that may damage young growth.

Should every non-fruiting shoot be removed?

No. Some shoots may be useful for the future structure of the vine. Evaluate the strength, position and purpose of each shoot before removing it.

Why is shoot thinning important?

Shoot thinning helps prevent an overcrowded canopy and makes it easier to manage the vine. The objective is balance: enough healthy growth for the future harvest without excessive density.

Save this guide for the growing season and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical grapevine care, pruning and garden tips.

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Best Days to Plant in June 2026: Lunar Planting Calendar

Best Days to Plant in June 2026: Lunar Planting Calendar

Looking for the best days to plant in June 2026? This short lunar planting calendar highlights the most favorable periods for sowing vegetables, planting seedlings and working with flowers throughout the month.

The guide is based on traditional lunar gardening recommendations. It can help you plan your garden work, but local weather, soil temperature and the condition of your plants should always remain your main priorities.

Best planting days in June 2026

According to the lunar planting calendar, the following periods are considered suitable for different types of garden work:

  • June 2–4: bulb crops, root vegetables, potatoes and cabbage;
  • June 7–9: radishes, turnips and Napa cabbage;
  • June 11–13: potatoes, early carrots, beets, cabbage and radishes;
  • June 22–24: beans, lettuce, greens and perennial flowers;
  • June 24–26: cucumbers, zucchini, greens, lettuce and biennial flowers;
  • June 26–28: greens, lettuce and medicinal herbs.

These dates can be useful when planning sowing, transplanting and planting in the garden. Adjust the schedule to your climate and growing conditions.

What can you plant in June?

June is still a productive month for sowing and planting. Depending on your region, you may be able to grow fast-developing vegetables and herbs, plant seedlings and prepare crops for a later harvest.

The video includes recommendations for:

  • potatoes, carrots, beets and cabbage;
  • radishes, turnips and Napa cabbage;
  • cucumbers and zucchini;
  • beans, lettuce and leafy greens;
  • perennial and biennial flowers;
  • medicinal herbs.

Read the complete lunar planting calendar for June 2026

For a full day-by-day overview, including less favorable planting periods, watering, feeding, weeding and pest control, read the complete guide:

Lunar Planting Calendar for June 2026: Best Days to Plant

Frequently asked questions

What are the best days to plant vegetables in June 2026?

The most useful periods depend on the crop. Root vegetables and cabbage are recommended for June 2–4 and June 11–13, while cucumbers and zucchini are included in the June 24–26 period.

Can I sow greens in June?

Yes. Lettuce and leafy greens can be sown during several periods in the second half of the month, especially from June 22 to June 28.

Should I follow the lunar calendar if the weather is poor?

Weather conditions should always come first. Avoid planting during extreme heat, cold spells, heavy rain or unsuitable soil conditions, even if the lunar calendar indicates a favorable day.

Save this page for quick reference and subscribe to our YouTube channel for practical gardening tips and seasonal planting guides.

Watch the Best Days to Plant in June 2026

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Lunar Planting Calendar for June 2026: Best Days to Plant

Lunar Planting Calendar for June 2026: Best Days to Plant

When is the best time to plant vegetables, sow seeds and care for your garden in June 2026? This lunar planting calendar offers a simple month-by-month guide based on traditional moon gardening recommendations.

In the video, we explain which days are considered suitable for planting, transplanting and sowing, and when it may be better to avoid major garden work around the Full Moon and New Moon periods.

What to plant in June 2026

June is an active month in the vegetable garden. Depending on the weather in your area, you may still be planting seedlings, sowing fast-growing crops and caring for plants that are already established.

This guide covers:

  • planting and transplanting seedlings;
  • sowing radishes, daikon, Napa cabbage, lettuce and greens;
  • planting cucumbers and zucchini;
  • watering, feeding and weeding;
  • treating plants for pests and diseases;
  • choosing suitable days for flowers and ornamental plants.

Best planting periods in June

According to traditional lunar gardening methods, some of the most useful periods in June include:

  • June 2–4: seedlings, feeding and weeding;
  • June 7–9: radishes, daikon and Napa cabbage;
  • June 11–13: root crops, watering and garden care;
  • June 17–28: greens, lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini and flowers.

The video also explains which days fall around the New Moon and Full Moon periods, when planting work is traditionally postponed.

Is lunar gardening suitable for every garden?

This calendar follows traditional lunar gardening practices used by many gardeners. Local weather, soil temperature and the condition of your plants should always remain your main guide.

Save this page and return to it while planning your garden work in June. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for seasonal planting calendars and practical gardening tips.

Watch the June 2026 lunar planting calendar

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🎥 Seed placement on toilet paper (or seed tape)

Seed placement on toilet paper (or seed tape)

Seed placement on toilet paper (or seed tape) is the easiest and our favorite way to prepare and sow seeds for vegetable crops such as radishes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and more.

This method allows you to use fewer seeds than direct sowing in garden beds, eliminates the need for thinning seedlings—which saves time—and lets you prepare for planting in advance.

We recommend trying this method yourself—you’ll be amazed by the results!

Watch the full process with tips and recommendations in the video below.

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🎥 When to sow tomatoes for seedlings in 2026. Favorable days

When to sow tomatoes for seedlings in 2026. Favorable days

Many factors influence when to sow tomatoes for seedlings. These include the time of year, weather conditions, available free time, and the influence of the Moon on Earth.

Here, we will determine which days will be favorable, according to the lunar calendar, for sowing tomato seeds to grow seedlings.

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🎥 Strength Training With Ankylosing Spondylitis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Strength Training With Ankylosing Spondylitis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

This short video shows part of my journey and some of the factors that may have contributed to the development of ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It also shows part of my strength training program — not to achieve fitness goals, but to maintain mobility, strength, and freedom of movement while living with autoimmune disease.

For many people, movement becomes something to avoid.
For me, it became a necessity.

👉 Read my story in more detail in my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F63LDR17

The eBook is also available in Ukrainian and Russian — https://danilive.org/

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🎥 Arcadia — an early table grape variety with high productivity.

Arcadia — an early table grape variety with high productivity.

Arcadia is one of the most well-known and widely grown table grape varieties, cultivated both in private vineyards and on commercial plantations. The variety is valued for its early ripening, high productivity, large clusters, and pleasant, harmonious flavor with a light muscat note.

This is an early-ripening variety, reaching full maturity in approximately 115–125 days from bud break (depending on vine load). It forms large, attractive clusters with fleshy, juicy berries of a light color.

Advantages of the Arcadia variety

Large clusters and berries
Arcadia produces massive, conical clusters with an excellent market appearance. The berries are large, uniform, and have dense flesh — exactly what is appreciated in table grapes.

Harmonious flavor
The taste is sweet, with a light refreshing acidity and delicate muscat notes. When fully ripe, the berries accumulate sugar very well.

High productivity
The variety is known for its strong yield potential. With proper vine training and crop load regulation, Arcadia delivers consistently high harvests.

Berry and cluster characteristics

Berry color: light green, turning yellowish at full ripeness

Taste: sweet, harmonious, with muscat

Flesh: fleshy and juicy

Skin: medium thickness, almost unnoticeable when eaten

Clusters: large, conical or conical-cylindrical

Growing features of the Arcadia grape variety

Planting location
Arcadia responds very well to sunny, warm sites. The best choice is a south or southwest-facing location protected from cold winds. Good sunlight directly affects berry flavor and proper vine ripening.

Soil
The variety grows well in light to medium soils with good drainage. In my conditions, on loamy soil, I additionally improve soil structure with organic matter and sand.

Watering
Moderate, as needed, depending on weather conditions and soil type.

Crop load regulation
Arcadia requires mandatory cluster thinning. An overloaded vine may lose berry quality, and the shoots may fail to ripen properly.

Disease protection
The variety has medium resistance to fungal diseases, so the following is recommended:

preventive treatments (at least two per season);

good vine ventilation;

control of shoot density.

Who this variety is suitable for

Arcadia is well suited:

for beginner grape growers;

for family consumption;

for growing for sale due to its attractive appearance;

as a reliable early base variety in the vineyard.

Want to grow grapes yourself?

If you’re interested in practical advice on planting, summer care, disease protection, variety selection, and seasonal work — I’ve prepared a series of eBooks based on 15+ years of hands-on experience with vineyards in central Ukraine.

📘 Learn more in my guides on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGGMWM8Z

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN499S2K

E-books are also available in Ukrainian and Russian at:
https://danilive.org/

Stay updated

Browse the posts in this section for practical materials and videos about each grape variety, and follow new updates — there’s a lot more coming:
variety overviews, practical videos, recommendations, and seasonal tips.

In the video, you will see a fully ripe cluster on my vine — the berries reach their rich color and peak sweetness.