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The following is a scenario of what takes place in a Maryland vineyard during a typical year.
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JANUARY
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Pruning begins in large vineyards. Hybrid varieties can be pruned earlier, vinifera varieties should be allowed to harden off as long as possible.
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FEBRUARY
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Pruning continues. Pre-emergent herbicides, if used, applied.
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MARCH
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Pruning completed. Cuttings collected and disposed of. Repairs to trellis made. New or replacement vines planted.
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APRIL
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Buds for current crop begin to push. Maintenance on vineyard equipment (tractor, mower, sprayer, etc) performed.
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MAY
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Bud-break. Spraying for fungus diseases initiated.
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JUNE
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Flowering begins. Shoots grow vigorously and are tied to trellis wires. Excess growth removed. Weeds sprayed or cultivated.
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JULY
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Growth continues at a rapid rate. Shoot thinning and hedging applied where necessary. Spraying with fungicides continues. Leaf pulling begun to prevent shading of grape clusters.
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AUGUST
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Grapes begin to take on color. Vine and grounds maintenance continue.
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SEPTEMBER
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Bird control measures activated. Early grape varieties harvested.
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OCTOBER
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Harvest continues. Post-harvest spray applied if needed.
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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
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Vine leaves drop, wood hardens, vine lapses into dormancy and pruning of hybrid vines begun after hard frost.
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