Notaviva Vineyards Blog

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December 20, 2008

Turning the Rows

So here we go again! Getting ready to plant three more acres of vines this Spring, thus back to square one - getting the vineyard marked, subsoiled, and fertilized in preparation for the new vines. If you've been following for a while, you may remember this back in 2005:

Turning the Rows - 2005

This time was a little easier as I now have some hired help (what a concept...) My cousin Ryan Badura has been on hand for the past several weeks, helping mark it out, place the bamboo stakes, and assist in cutting in the rows. Invariably as the subsoiler cuts through the soil, it collects bits of sod, bushes, rocks etc. so it's helpful to have someone walking behind knocking off debris with a shovel. Last time I was by myself so I'd have to jump off the tractor, clear the debris, then continue. Takes quite a bit longer that way! Here are a few progress pics and some shots of the final product.

BTW, you'll also notice what happens when a big tractor hits a big underground rock layer with a mid-range subsoiler - SNAP!!! I busted a 4"x1" piece of solid steel right in half as if breaking a twig. Never take safety for granted...

Posted by Stephen at December 20, 2008 11:53 AM