July 18, Sept. 19: Seasonal vineyard care workshops

By Kate Halstead, WSU Extension

grapesBOW, Wash. – Hands-on workshops July 18 and Sept. 19 will cover summer and autumn vineyard care specific to western Washington wine grape regions.

Sponsored by Washington State University Snohomish County Extension, the workshops cost $40 each. Register online at http://VineyardCare.BrownPaperTickets.com or download the form from http://snohomish.wsu.edu/VineyardCare and mail with a check. For more information, contact Kate Halstead at 425-357-6024 or khalstead@wsu.edu.

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Instructor Moulton takes soil samples in a vineyard.

Workshops will start at the Allen Fire Station, 9061 Avon Allen Rd., in Bow, with a lecture and discussion. Hands-on learning will continue at a nearby vineyard guided by expert viticulturist Gary Moulton. Dress for the weather and bring pruners, gloves and a brown bag lunch; drinks will be provided.

Summer vineyard management 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 18:

Learn the principles of canopy and crop load management; how to manipulate shoots to maximize quality; when to cluster thin; and the use of micronutrient sprays to enhance yield and quality.

Harvest/fall vineyard management 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19:

Learn to determine harvest timing; take brix measurements; test soil; select varieties and a list of next year’s chores.

Instructor Moulton started in 1980 with the fruit horticulture department at WSU Mount Vernon. In 1991, he took over management, direction and leadership of the program. When the western Washington tree fruit program was eliminated due to budget cuts, he continued as a private consultant and workshop speaker.

He holds a master’s degree from WSU in plant pathology specializing in fruit diseases and a bachelor’s degree in pomology/fruit science from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo. He has authored several WSU Extension publications, taught workshops and been a guest expert on TV’s “Gardening with Ed Hume.”

 

Contact:
Kate Halstead, WSU Extension, 360-794-6081, khalstead@wsu.edu