Last year we had killing frost at the end of April. And this year it has happened again. So far damage is limited. Again, mostly on our Turán vines. They are the most susceptible since they have the earliest bud break.

This year I also have over 100 new field grafted Pinot gris and Tramini vines. These needed protection over night from the freezing air. Fortunately, I have collected over the years hundreds of small black plastic pots. A plastic pot, when inverted with a rock on top to prevent the wind from blowing it away, makes a simple to apply and cozy warm space. In essence, a mini green house to protect the newly grafted scion’s young buds and leaves. In the morning, when temperatures are above freezing, the pots are then simply removed.

Plastic pot green house. Rock to keep wind from blowing it away.

Plastic pot green house.

Plastic pot green house.

Grafted scion protected by plastic pot.

Grafted scion protected by plastic pot

Slight frost damage to Turán leaves.

Significant frost damage to Turán leaves.