Grape Vineyard (Vitaceae) "In this garden the Lord placed...the lovely vines which grew upright, laden with their burden of fruit, unlike anything man has seen since the fall. The fruit was very large and of different colors; some nearly black, some purple, red, pink, and light green. This beautiful and luxuriant growth of fruit upon the branches of the vine was called grapes. They did not trail upon the ground, although not supported by trellises, but the weight of the fruit bowed them down. It was the happy labor of Adam and Eve to form beautiful bowers from the branches of the vine and train them..." Conflict and Courage 12 “ ; « ll Death of John the Baptist L Faithfulness Copyright © by SonLight Education Ministry 200419 he Grape Vineyard -.. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel..." Isaiah 5:7 What is a Grape? “...And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes." Numbers 13:20 When you think of berries, does your mind picture raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries? You probably do not think of grapes as being berries, but they are. These berries are juicy, smooth-skinned fruits that grow on a woody vine. The Bible even tells us that grapes are a fruit, “..And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes” (Numbers 13:20). Depending on their variety, the shape of grapes can be oval to round. Their flesh is semi-translu- cent (clear). Grapes are covered by a protective, whitish bloom like blue- berries. This can remind us of the protective covering God places over His children. Even in prison, John the Baptist was protected by the Almighty. Nothing was allowed to happen to him but that it had first passed through God’s allow- ances on the way. John could say, “He only is my rock and my salva- tion; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:2), If we are faithful to God, this also will be our comfort. There are over a thousand varieties of grapes, but only around twenty make up the consumed ma- jority of table grapes. The differ- ences among the varieties are color, taste, size, and physical characteris- ties. The berries may be blue, black, purple, red, golden, green, or white. Generally, whole grapes are slightly crunchy in texture and their taste is dry, sweet, and tart. Grape berries grow on vines, which are called grapevines. There are stems that can climb on fences Grapes - 1and walls by tendrils. The leaves arise alternately along the stem. Most varieties have tendrils arising opposite 2 of every 3 successive leaves. Flowers are borne in clus- ters upon the grapevine that are usually greenish in color. A vineyard is a place where many grapevines are grown. The Bible speaks about a special vine- yard—it is God’s vineyard. In Isaiah 5:7 we are told exactly what His vineyard is, “.. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Is- rael....” In John 15 Jesus speaks about the plants in this vineyard. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman....ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5). John. the Baptist had born fruit in his lifetime. But he was only a branch, and he understood this. It was be- cause he had been connected to the Vine that his labors had produced fruit. “The principle of the Baptist’s own life of self-abnegation [self- denial] was the principle of the Messiah’s kingdom....he yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved....Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test....Gladly would He have deliv- ered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands [the other What is Our Work? "..Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6 “What is our work? The same as that given to John the Baptist, of whom we read: ‘In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent, ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’ (Matthew 3:1-3)." 8 Testimonies 9 Grapes - 2branches in the Lord’s vineyard] who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the fol- lowers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!”* “The lesson we have to learn is that which John the Baptist had learned: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ Such discipline is painful to human nature, ‘nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness." 13 Manuscript Releases 315 “The fruit that He [Jesus] bore in His life was His answer to John's question." Review and Herald 9/2/1902History “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 A long abundant history fol- lows grapes. Adam and Eve trained the vines in the garden of Eden and after the flood we are told, “And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard” (Genesis 9:20). This passage is the first place in the Bible which mentions grapes as being under cultivation. From this point on the Bible abounds with references to grapes and their prod- ucts. When the twelve spies re- turned from Canaan they brought with them clusters of grapes that were so heavy that it required two men just to carry them! In the New “And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff...” Numbers 13:23 ‘Testament Jesus spoke in parables about the grapevine numerous times (Matthew 20:1-16; Mark 12:1- 9; John 15:1-6). And Isaiah 65:21 tells us that in the new earth we shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit from them. In ancient Egyptian burial tombs grapes were pictured in the hieroglyphic. Egypt was famous for its grapes and wine. As the European travelers explored the globe they took grapes with them, In the early 17th cen- tury, the United States received its first planting of grapes in NewMexico. They rapidly spread from there to the central valley of Califor- nia where their production was best supported by the climate and ab- sence of grape-preying insects. Currently the places that are among the largest commercial pro- ducers of grapes include: Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Chile. Today, grapes are mostly used to make wine. This is the type of wine mentioned in Proverbs 23:31, of which the Bible says, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” Truly, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). Oh how much heart ache comes about because of the intoxicating cup! The life of the innocent has been often sacrificed through intem- perance! Such was the case with John the Baptist. Herod was un- faithful to his work as the guardian. of justice. He benumbed his senses and made it impossible for himself to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opened the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and de- stroying the innocent. And so it is with all who place the mocking cup On the other hand, there is a wine to which even Christ partook of. “The wine which Christ provided for the [marriage] feast, and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine ‘in the clus- ter,’ and says, ‘Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it’ (Isaiah 65:8).”* “..Grapes are God’s gifts; they may be put to excellent use as healthful articles of food, or they may be abused by being put to a wrong use.”** Christ places a special value upon the new wine, for He promised on the night of His betrayal, “.. will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). What a precious thought! Jesus is waiting until the faithful are at last with Him in heaven to once again drink the pure, sweet, new wine of the grape. "The Desire of Ages 149 **Counsels on Diet and Foods 435 Grapes - 5In the House of His Friends “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted... hath lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41:9 Consider John’s faithfulness in not drinking wine as you read this story. The largest church in Jonesville was well filled that Sab- bath, for it was communion day, and the eloquent Mr. Barnes was to fill the pulpit, and officiate with the pastor at the Lords table. The congregation was very select—in fact, it was mostly com- posed of the well-to-do residents of the town; and the Master’s words, “The poor ye have always with you,” would hardly have seemed an ap- propriate text—especially on this particular morning. But there was one gentle little woman, with a child in her arms and a little girl by her side, who sat in a pew far up in front, toward the right of the altar, in whose dark eyes there lurked a shadow, and in whose heart had entered a terrible fear. The man who sat beside her was a noble looking fellow, broad of shoulder, strong of limb, stalwart of frame. But to a close observer there still appeared marks of past dissipa tion and reckless intemperance, which had left there unmistakable tokens on cheek and brow—tokens which even the charitable hand of time must be many years in effacing altogether. And it had been only one little year since Burton Holbrook had been plucked even as a brand from the burning; but in all the year, not once had the accursed cup touched his lips. Burton Holbrook could not remember when he had first learned to love the cup; the terrible heritage had been his from birth—a heritage bequeathed him by his poor father, whose drunken carousals had made his childhood miserable. And so the heritage of thirst had been his; and he had fought it manfilly, bravely all the years. But the record of the years had been filled with shameful defeat so often that the little woman by his side had been well nigh discouraged many times. Grapes - 6But in the past few months a new hope had been born—a hope bright with anticipation and big with promise. For Burton Holbrook had been converted and joined the church. “You can never conquer in your own strength,” his wife had said; and her prayers had ascended day and night unceasingly. And one glad day he had come to her, with a new light in his eyes and a new song upon his lips. Then, by providence, prosper- ity seemed to come to them by leaps and bounds; friends multiplied; a position was offered him, lucrative beyond his broadest dreams. Within the year, the humble home had been exchanged for a pleasant cottage on one of the better streets, and from this cottage ascended night and morning, songs and prayers of thanksgiving and praise. And this Sabbath he was attending commun- ion service for the first time. Strange that sad thoughts should intrude—that unwelcome fears, and dim, shadowy forebodings should come trooping into the heart of the little woman by his side— today, when her cup of joy was full to the brim! In the very beginning of the services, she had suddenly remem- bered that it was communion day— yes, yes, she had known that, all the time. But now she realized with a dull pain at her heart, that there would be wine. There must be; and it would be the wine that intoxicates! Ah! too well she knew the demons that forever dogged her husband’s footsteps! Given the slightest opportunity, and they were about him in troops. Was there, then, no spot too sacred for them to invade? Was there to be no safety, even within the sacred courts of the house of the Lord? In her perfect happiness, she had not given it a thought; but now, she wondered vaguely why she had not remembered. Ah, once before, in those awful days that seemed so long, long ago—once before, a single taste of red wine had been his undo- ing! How helpless she felt, as she sat by his side and glanced timidly up into his handsome face—her noble husband! And she reflected that she had urged him to unite with the church long before he had thought of offering himself. She had told him that this would be such a source of strength to him! And now she shuddered. Why had no one cared for his soul? Why had no voice been raised Grapes - 7in protest? And then she remem- bered hearing Mrs. Jones, the dea- coness, once say that she had pro- tested against this thing; but the pastor had only smiled and treated the matter lightly—in fact he had gone so far as to insinuate that “it would be casting a reflection upon the respectability” of his eminently respectable congregation, to offer them new wine at communion, when they had always been accus- tomed to the old! So it would have been of no use for her to protest. The pastor would have scorned her husband as a weakling—her strong, noble husband. But see, the red wine has already been uncovered; the bless- ing has been pronounced—ah, surely it is only the emblem of the spilled blood of the Man of Sorrows! Burton Holbrook starts. His face is white as chiseled marble. His breath comes in quick, hard gasps. Already the subtle scent of the red wine is in his nostrils. The little woman marks with strange distinctness, the white, delicate fingers of the pastor, as he offers the glass to her husband—for they are in the pew near the altar. The words which the minister had read that morning, ring in her ears: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted...hath lifted up his heel against me.” She turns her eyes in sickening fear upon the man, His face is gray and drawn, the muscles of his neck are working, and the blue veins are standing out upon his forehead. He turns his eyes in piteous appeal to- ward his wife, then toward the pas- tor. Then over his haggard face there flits an expression of mad desire. The fiends of darkness are tapping upon his forehead and beckoning to him insistently. Even the pastor starts with alarm as Burton Holbrook reaches his trembling fingers toward the glass. A fire like the smouldering fires of the pit leaps into his dark eyes—and the glass is drained. There was an uneasy, expect- ant rustle in the congregation. The minister turned his eyes for a mo- ment. It was enough. Burton Holbrook sprang like a famished tiger and snatched at the pitcher. In a moment more, it was empty. Then, down the long aisle of horrified, frightened faces, and out into the quiet streets, rushed a fren- zied, hatless man. Grapes - 8Over at the saloon on the nearest corner, lingered a few of the former companions of Burton Holbrook, discussing their old com- rade, over their cups: “Been almost a year, I think, hasn’t it, since Holbrook last fa- vored us with his company?” ques- tioned the bartender sneeringly, as he handed a foaming glass to a young man whose trembling hand and thick speech told a pitiful story of disease and dissipation. “Considers himself mighty good, I reckon,” was the reply. “Tve done everything I could to get him to give up those high and lofty notions of his,” shamelessly admitted another. “I'm right glad I don’t have to sell my liberty,” blustered Jack Hartwell, “and I told him so the other day; but he had an answer ready, of course. Real, reg’lar person, Burt's got to be, since he’s quit us.” “That makes me think,” stam- mered an old man from across the room, “Holbrook’s gone and joined the church, so they say—got clear off the devil’s ground, I s’pose he thinks, now—but—’ and the old man lowered his voice, while a hate- ful grin distorted his bloated face, “but we'll see—we'll see. He’s no whit better than the rest of us, that he should—” “No,” interrupted the bar- tender, with an oath, “somebody's likely been preachin’ to him. But if he thinks he’s safe, just because—” But the bartender never fin- ished his speech. Into the midst of them rushed a man, breathless and hatless, with haggard face and wild, hollow eyes. “Let me drink, man! let me drink! I've sold my soul for it. The demons of hell have got me this time! I have held my own against them for a year—but they caught me—caught me in the church— and—and I will die, but I must have my drink!” Within another month, de- lirium tremens, with its unspeak- able horrors, had claimed its victim. But I am glad to say that now there is one church in Jonesville, which offers nothing but pure, sweet, new wine at communion. But still a poor, heartbroken little woman murmurs over and over again, “ “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink’?” —Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle Grapes - 9In the Garden “Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear..." Song of Solomon 7:12 Planting grapevines is rewarding. Not only because of the fresh lus- cious grapes they produce, which can be eaten fresh or made into pies, jams, jellies, or juices, but also because they add beauty to your home land- scape. When grapevines are trained on a trellis or arbor they are ornamen- tal and valuable shade or screen plants. Productivity of faithfully tended grapevines can be 50 years or more, once they are established. Well-grown grapevines of cultivars,* such as Concord, may yield per year up to 20 pounds or more of fruit, per vine. ‘To be a successful grape grower one must select the right cultivars, maintain a good fertility and pest management program, and properly prune grapevines annually. Common Grape Cultivars Recommended for Home Fruit Planting Principal | Season | Color of | Use Remarks Cultivar Fruit American Canadice | Early Red T | Productive, flavor similar to Delaware, and seedless. Steuben _ | Mid-season | Blue T__| Concord type and very vigorous, Concord | Mid-season | Blue J | Most widely grown grape in Ohio, large bunches and berries, a favorite of many, Reliance | Mid-season | Red T | Excellent quality, productive, seedless, and very hardy. Niagara | Late season | White J | Astandard white grape of Ohio. T=table grape; J = juice *A varity of a cultivated plant that is developed by breeding and has a designated name. Grapes - 10In many ways, grapevines are easy to grow in your home garden. However, if you want high-quality fruit than you need to faithfully give very good care to the vines. To achieve a good yield of high-quality fruit, pruning and training are vital, These two things are the most difficult aspect of grape production, In order to prune properly, you need an under- standing of grape growth. If you decide to grow grapes realize that it requires a long-term com- mitment. Several years will pass from the time you plant the grapevine till the first harvested crop. Normally, full production is not reached until the 5th or 6th year. But under proper care they can live 50-100 years. Terms used to describe portions of the grape plant and its growth: * Trunk. Permanent, above ground stem _* Node. Thickened portion of the shoot of the vine. where the leaf and lateral bud are lo- cated; location of a bud on a cane or * Arms. Wood that’s 2 or more years old; spur. short branches of the trunk from which canes or spurs develop. * Internode. Portion of the shoot or cane between two nodes. * Cordon. A long arm, usually trained along a wire, from which canes or spurs develop. * Cane. A mature shoot after leaf fall. * Spur. A cane pruned back to one, two, or three buds. * Shoot. New green growth with leaves, tendrils, and often flower clusters, growing from a bud of a cane or spur. * Lateral. A branch of a shoot. * Sucker. Also called a “water sprout”; a shot growing from old wood, often the trunk base, rather than from shoots or canes. Fruiting cane Grapes - 111. Select a site. Choose a sunny location for your grapevine, New shoot growth in April and May is quite susceptible to frost injury so avoid frosty areas. ‘Temperatures are generally higher ing area that is facing south or southwest. If you can, pick such a site. Furthermore, if you decide to north-south direction. In this way the fruit and leaves will be better exposed to sunlight and they will yield better quality fruit. "My well-beloved hath a vineyard ina very fruitful hill.” Tsaiah 5:1 How Grapes Grow and less likely to get frost on a slop- plant in a row try to make it go ina Grapes -12 2. Prepare the soil. Drainage is very important. Grape plants do not grow well in heavy clay soil with poor drainage. Neither do they grow well in soils with an impervious subsoil claypan. If you have heavy clay soil add sawdust or compost; use only well-decomposed material. Mix this into the whole planting area. “It was planted in a good soil... that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.” Ezekiel 17:8 “And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof..." Isaiah 5:2 John prepared the soil of the heart.3. Select a cultivar. Choose only those cultivars that are known to do well in your area. Some do not mature in cool climates. As you select a cultivar, be reminded how John had to choose to have faith in Christ. He had to choose to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. We also must choose everyday to believe in Christ as our personal Saviour. Are you choosing Him? “He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it ina fruitful field..." Ezekiel 17:5 4, Plant the stock. Early spring, as soon as you can work the soil, is the time to plant grapes. Make sure the roots of a dormant, bare-root plant, is not dried out before you plant it. All of the broken roots must be pruned off of nursery-bought plants. Trim the very long roots and prune off all, except one vigorous cane. Before planting, prune back the cane to 2 buds. Place the grape plant in a large hole with enough space to spread roots without bending them. The hole depth should be the same as the grapevine was grown in the nursery. Around roots, firm soil well to remove the air pockets. “And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard." Genesis 9:20 “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds, lest the fruit of thy seed which thou has sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.” Deuteronomy 22:9 “And he...planted it with the choicest vine..." Tsaiah 5:2 John planted thoughts about the Messiah in the people's hearts. Grapes - 135. Water the plant. ‘Thoroughly water the grape plant. Irrigate them as required. Mature grapevines only need to be watered if you live in an area with low annual rainfall. During the fruiting period, avoid overhead irrigation because it promotes fruit rot. “He took also of the seed of the land and placed it by great waters... “It was planted in a good soil by great waters... that it might be a goodly vine." Ezekiel 17:5, 8 The Holy Spirit watered the thoughts planted by John. 6. Space the plants. Ifyou plant more than one grape- vine, you will need to space them properly. Spacing between rows partly depends on what system in training and trellis you choose. Nine feet is generally suitable for backyard plants. Within the row, spacing de- pends on what cultivar you plant and also the training system you use, The European cultivars need to be spaced 6 to 7 feet apart. The American cultivars should be 7 to 8 feet apart in the row; the reason being that they are more vigorous. “And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted..." Psalm 80:15 The Holy Spirit knows just how to space the seeds of truth so they will grow. Grapes - 147. Fertilize sparingly. Grapes do not need a high level of fertility. Overfeeding is the cause of more problems than from under- feeding. You can use some compost, but avoid heavy applications of mulch for it delays fruit maturity. At Herod’s party there was feasting. Overeating along with the wine he drank benumbed his senses. As a result, the life of John was taken. Temperance is very im- portant. Just like with grapes, more problems arise in our lives because of overeating than from not eating enough. “\.Let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it.” Luke 13:8 “Some do not exercise control over their appetites, but indulge taste at the expense of health... Overeating is the sin of this age." 4 Testimonies 454 8. Weed and cultivate faithfully. Keep the area free from weeds. Young grapevines cannot compete with established lawn grass or weeds for water and nutrients. Cultivate shallowly, avoid injuring roots by going no deeper than 1 to 3 inches. “I went by the...vineyard of the man void of understanding: “And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, “Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. “Yet a little sleep, alittle slumber, and little folding of the hands to sleep; “So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34 John weeded out smooth thoughts and said, "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Grapes - 159. Make a trellis. A trellis is used for most of the com- mon training systems. A trellis is constructed similar to a fence. Be sure that the trellis is strong and adequately braced because grape plants are very heavy when crop- laden. It is best to start training vines early so you will need to con- struct the trellis in the first or sec- ond growing season. The kind of trellis you will need to make de- pends on which training system you use. However, there are certain common characteristics that all trellis systems have. End posts must be strong and anchored (a “dead man” is suitable). Their length should be about 8 feet and the diameter at least 6 inches. If using wooden posts, treat them. with a copper-based wood preserva- tive. Steel posts; concrete posts; or sound, used railroad ties also can be used. Place the end posts about 2 to 3 feet deep in the soil. Slightly lean them away from the center of the row. Use wire 12-gauge or heavier. Space line posts (those in the row between the end posts) 18 to 21 feet apart, or every 3 plants, and place them 2 feet deep in soil. The diam- eter of line posts should be a mini- mum of 3 inches. For another op- tion, use fence posts of steel and place one at each plant. ‘The required numbers of wires depends on which training system you use. In this booklet you will learn the single-curtain and the two-cane Kniffen systems. The first system needs only one wire, the second needs around four. “Tam the true Vine,’ He [Christ] says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm, tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. T can of mind own self do nothing,’ He declared (John 5:30). Grapes - 16Iam the true Vine.’ The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants and a type of all that was powerful, excellent, and fruitful. Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the Promised Land. The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact of their connection with Israel. But Jesus says, Tam the real Vine. Think not that through a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life of God, and inheritors of His promise. Through Me alone is spiritual life received." The Desire of Ages 674-675 “Iam the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and T in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 10. Train and prune the plant. If you want a good production of high-quality fruit, proper pruning and training is essential. These also maintain a balance between vegeta- tive growth and fruiting. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” Tohn 15:6 Pruning grapevines should be done when they are dormant, from January through March 1. Cane pruning and spur pruning are two methods. No matter which training system you use, if you understand these methods you will be able to Grapes - 17prune a vine. Acommon problem that is seen in home garden grape production is that the vines are not pruned hard enough. About 90 per- cent of the wood produced the previ- ous season must be removed. Com- paratively little wood is left to pro- duce the crop of the following sea- son. “Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof." Leviticus 25:3 “There were lovely vines, growing upright, yet presenting a most graceful appearance, with their branches drooping under their load of tempting fruit of the richest and most varied hues. It was the work of Adam and Eve to train the branches of the vine to form bowers, thus making for themselves a dwelling from living trees covered with foliage and fruit." Patriarchs and Prophets 471, Cane Pruning First Growing Season: From each newly planted grapevine, select the strongest shoot and train it to a stake, twine, or wire (first winter). This is so a straight trunk will develop. All of the other shoots that grow must be pruned off. Sometimes in the first year the shoot does not reach the wire; if this happens, the next winter prune it back to 3 or 4 buds. Train the stron- gest shoot that grows in the following summer, pruning off all others. Cut the shoot at a node (through a bud) when dormant and tie it to the wire once it reaches the wire. ‘Training in the planting year. (Short parallel lines show pruning cuts.) Tie to base wire Weave shoot around twine Cut through bud “...Six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; “But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard." Leviticus 25:3-4 Grapes - 19Second Growing Season: Shoots will develop from buds on the trunk in the second growing season, Leave two shoots which grow 2 to 6 inches below the wire. Train these shoots to go along the wire, one on each side of the trunk. Fruiting canes or arms will form from these shoots. While the other shoots are still small remove them, only leave the two you selected. Also take off any flower clusters and suckers that develop. Cane prun- ing, second growing season (double lines show pruning cuts). “And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ‘..Jesus with solemn tenderness explained the purpose of the husbandman. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from the earthly supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. The excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be richer and more abundant.” The Desire of Ages 676-677 Grapes - 20Second Winter: The second winter you need to prune back the two canes to 7 or 8 buds each (per plant, 14 to 16 buds). From these buds fruit will be produced, but it is important not to allow young vines to overproduce. Cane prun- ing, second winter (double lines show pruning cuts), Third Growing Season: Shoots will grow from buds on 1 year old canes in the third growing season. Fruit is produced on these shoots. It is still impor- tant to prevent the young plant from overbearing. If an average of more than one fruit cluster per shoot is produced than thin the remaining clusters. Cane pruning, third growing Grapes - 21Third Winter: Notice the illustrations that show the pruning before and after the third winter. All the canes must be removed except for new fruit- ing wood. Be aware that canes differ in fruitfulness as you choose the next fruiting canes, Those canes that are the most fruitful were those exposed to light during the growing season, no less than pencil width in diameter, and have an average internode length. (‘Too much vigor is indicated by long internodes.) Keeping the fruiting area as close to the trunk as possible is the most desirable. Cane pruning, third winter before pruning (shaded canes will be retained for next season's fruiting wood). Choose the two new fruiting canes, like the ones shown in the illus- tration. Cut back each cane to approximately 15 buds (per plant, 30). Plants that are low in vigor, keep fewer buds. Wrap the canes around the wire and tie them at the end. Near the base of each arm, leave a 1-bud or 2-bud spur. In the following year these renewal spurs will supply the new fruiting canes, thus fruiting close to the trunk will be maintained. Grapes - 22Cane pruning, third winter after pruning. Fruiting cane Yearly prune mature plants to take off all growth except the new fruiting canes and renewal spurs. Select from each renewal spur a fruiting cane. For some reason, if the canes from a renewal spur are not desirable than select a cane from a basal bud of last year’s fruiting cane. Cut back 10 to 25 buds (20 to 50 buds per plant) each fruiting cane. Cane pruning, fourth winter before pruning (shaded canes will be retained for next season's fruiting wood). Grapes - 23If it is necessary to replace arms, train shoots that arise from buds near the trunk. Cane pruning, fourth winter after pruning. “God is constantly pruning His people, cutting off profuse, spreading branches, that they may bear fruit to His glory and not produce leaves only.” 4 Testimonies 354 2, Spur Pruning This is a simple method which requires little or no decision on what to choose for fruiting wood. Up to the third winter, spur and cane pruning are the same. Prune the young grapevine the same as directed in cane pruning until the third winter. “For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches." Isaiah 18:5 Grapes - 24Third Winter: Along the cordon to 2 or 3 bud spurs, cut back the selected canes (notice illustration). Spurs should be 4 to 5 inches apart. If more Spur pruning, third winter before pruning (shaded canes will be retained for next season’s fruiting wood). than one shoot has grown from a node on the cordon simply select the strongest one and cut the others off. Per plant, allow no more than 40 to 50 buds. Fruit is produced from the buds on spurs. Spur pruning, third winter after pruning.Mature plants can be pruned by selecting spurs, cutting them back to 2 or 3 buds, and removing all other canes. There are some cultivars that the basal buds of canes are not fruitful. Some of these are the French-American hybrids (for example, “Interlaken”) and the American types (like “Concord”). These cultivars need to be cane pruned. Spur pruning, fourth winter before pruning (shaded canes will be retained for next season’s fruiting wood). It is best to cane prune if you are not sure as to whether the basal buds of a cultivar are fruitful. However, there is no problem converting from one pruning system to the other. So you can try both methods and compare the results. Spur pruning, fourth winter after pruning. Grapes - 26Training Systems Training young vines helps to develop a well-established root system. ‘There are many ways to train grapevines. We will just describe 2 in this booklet. These systems are simple and highly recommended for growing grapes in home gardens in Oregon. The first method is called the single-curtain system. Train the trunk to the top of a single-wire trellis. The shoots will then grow and hang downward. Fruit is well exposed at the top of the canopy which promotes good fruit quality. Single-wire trellis for single curtain training. Grapes - 27A multiple-wire trellis is needed for the two-cane Kniffen system. ‘Train those young vines to the lower wire. Vertically train the shoots by weaving them between the wires as they grow and use twist ties to hold them in place if necessary. ‘Two-cane Kniffen, Side view End view (Note: If you choose to train grapes on walls, fences, or arbors, do not prune the vine as severely. Allow the canes to cover these things. You should leave more buds per plant, but realize that this means lower fruit quality while being very attractive.) Summer Pruning Normally only 3 to 4 feet of growth for each shoot is enough to ripen the crop. You may top or trim shoots if they become too vigorous. Fruit Thinning A large number of small, scraggly bunches of fruit will be produced if pruning of vines is not hard enough. The vigor is thus decreased and it can severely stunt young plants, If there are too many bunches, thin to 1 or 2 Grapes - 28major insect pest is phylloxera. This is an aphid-like insect that feeds on roots. It can even kill a susceptible grapevine, American cultivars, like “Concord”, are resistant to this pest. bunches per shoot by taking off clus- ters when the berries are no more than 1/8 inch in diameter. By thin- ning the bunches, the berries’ size will improve. Birds may also be a major pest. The only sure protective method is placing netting over the vines. On vines that are adequately pruned and do not have an excessive fruit load, you can thin the fruit clusters to improve berry size and promote the fruit to mature earlier. But realize that lower will be the yield. 11. Pests. In different states there are differ- ent pest problems. In Oregon, wasps and yellowjackets can be a problem when fruit is ripe, they make picking a hazardous opera- tion! In California and Oregon a In Bible times the foxes were pests in the vineyards. There are two diseases that are the most common for the grape plant. They are bunch rot and pow- dery mildew. Promoting good air circulation may decrease the amount of fruit rot. Do this by keeping the canopy well pruned and trained. Relative Disease Susceptibility of Common Grape Cultivars Satan was a pest that was tempting John's disciples to cherish unbelief in regards to Jesus being the Messiah. Principal | Black | Downy | Powdery Cultivar | Rot | Mildew | Mildew Botrytis American Canadice [=** |» * + Steuben |* « * * Concord | *** | ee * “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Song of Solomon 2:15 Reliance | we — [axe * Niagara [we [ese we * Key to ratings: * = slightly susceptible or sensitive; ** = moderately susceptible or sensitive; *** = highly susceptible or sensitive12. Harvesting time. Picking the grapes at the proper maturity is the most important part of harvesting. Do not go by the grape’s color, this is not a good indi- cation of maturity. Maturity of table grapes is usually determined by taste or seed color, which changes from green to brown. As grapes approach maturity they become sweeter and, on an average, less acidic. Take into consideration the weather and its potential effects on the fruit in deciding when to har- vest. Rain is not a good thing for mature fruit. It may cause shatter- ing, cracking, and an increase in fruit rot. Besides, birds are more attracted to mature fruit. On an average, in order for grapes to continue maturing on the vine, the temperature must be greater than 50° F. Once grapes are picked they do not ripen any fur- ther. Always store them in the re- frigerator once picked. “And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. Matthew 21:34 “...The harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.” Matthew 13:39 Jesus harvested disciples from the seeds John planted. “And another angel...cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth: for her grapes are fully ripe.” Revelation 14:18 Grapes - 30Medicinal Use Grapes are very medicinal plants. Purple grape juice contains a substance more potent than aspirin in the prevention of blood clotting inside your veins. The grape seed contains highly concentrated vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called procyanidins.* These are healthful compounds. They are also found in the skin of the grape in lower concen- trations. Grape seeds also have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that clean up free radicals, which cause a number of health problems. Grapes contain the following minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Also, grapes have amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, Some benefits of grapes are: mild diuretic, blood builder, blood thinner, and anti-viral. Parts used: Medicinal use: * Tea made from the leaves are used for hepatitis, diarrhea, and stomachaches. Fruit, seeds, Jj sap from branches, and leaves. é * Infusions of the leaves (red leaves especially) can be taken to treat diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and uterine hemorrhage. For canker sores use infusions as a wash. “But a certain Samaritan... | © The leaves of the vine are astrin- had compassion on him, | 8° And went to him, * Making a poultice with the wilted and bound up his wounds, _| leaves may be used for external cuts pol ring in oil and wine... in checking hemorrhage and bleed- and took care of him.” | ™* Luke 10:33-34 * The ripe fruit is diuretic. “Also known as condensed tannins, pyenogonols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin or OPCs “*In the body those damaging compounds that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death, Grapes - 31* Grape juice kills bacteria and it Paul gives counsel dramatically reduces tooth decay. to Timothy that he should be physically fit for the heavy duties that rested upon him as he ministered to the churches in Asia Minor. Mental and moral alertness are closely related to physical fitness. Grape juice would be a natural remedy to assist Timothy. * As an eyewash, the sap from the branches is used. ¢ The fruit dried into raisins is used to ease coughs. * In case of anemia or exhaustion, grapes have a wonderful restorative power. * The fruit is recommended for smallpox, neuralgia, and sleepless- ness. * Grapes are suggested for the treatment of cancer. “Use a little wine [sweet grape juice] for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." I Timothy 5:23 Note: Among the fruits, grapes are the best doctor for cure. It is recom- mended for unnumbered diseases. “Apples and grapes are God's gifts; they may be put to excellent use as healthful articles of food...” 5 Testimonies 361 “It would be well for us to do less cooking and to eat more fruit in its natural state. Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples, peaches, “The pure juice pears, berries, of the grape, free from fermentation, is a wholesome drink." Counsels on Diet and Foods 436 and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained.” 7 Testimonies 134 Grapes - 32“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord: “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. “All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. “All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. “All the days that he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall come at no dead body.” Numbers 6:1-6 Nazarite means: to separate, to consecrate, to dedicate in a spiritual sense or fully dedicated to God. What were the requirements of taking the Nazarite vow? “Dedicated to God as a Nazarite from his birth, he made the vow his own ina life-long consecration. His dress was that of the ancient prophets, a garment of camel's hair, confined by a leather girdle. He ate the ‘locusts and wild honey’ found in the wilderness, and drank the pure water from the hills." The Desire of Ages 102 We are reminded how John, taking the Nazarite vow, refrained from strong drink while Herod was feasting and drinking. “The king was dazed with wine" and so, John who abstained from fermented wine, was brought to the grave by a king who was drunk (The Desire of Ages 221) What a contrast for us to consider in these last days. Grapes - 33Activities 1. Draw Some Grapes. Use quarters to make round grapes. 2. Freeze Different Kinds of Grapes. Wash green, red, purple, and any other color of grapes you can find. Pat them dry, arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet, place in freezer. Transfer grapes to a heavy plastic bag and return to freezer once they are frozen. 3. Do you know quiz about wine? 1. What did Paul recommend as a substitute for wine? (Ephesians 5:18) 2. Who was called a glutton and a wine guzzler? (Matthew 11:19) 3. What prophet spoke of God putting Israel into a winepress? (Isaiah 63:1-4) Grapes - 344, What part of the body did Paul recommend (pure) wine for? (I Timothy 5:23) 5. Where was the one place the priest could not enter after drinking wine? (Leviticus 10:8-9) 6. What group of Israelites was never supposed to drink wine? (Numbers 6:2-3) 7. According to Paul’s advice, what church official must not be a wine drinker? (I Timothy 3:2-3) 8, What was mingled with the wine Jesus was offered on the cross? (Mark 15:23) 9. What judge threshed wheat by his winepress to hide it from the Midianites? (Judges 6:11) 10. According to Jesus, what do people prefer, old wine or new wine? (Luke 5:39) 11. What kind of person, according to Proverbs, should be given wine? (Proverbs 31:6-7) 12. According to what Jesus said at the Last Supper, when would he drink wine again with his disciples? (Matthew 26:27-29) 13. Who murdered the Midianite Zeeb at His winepress? (Judges 7:25) 14. How many jars of water did Jesus turn into wine? (John 2:1-10) 15. What, according to Jesus, happens when new wine is put into old wine skins? (Luke 5:37-38) 16. What drinkers did Isaiah condemn? (Isaiah 5:11) 17. According to Romans, what good reason is there to avoid wine? (Romans 14:21) Grapes - 354. Read stories and parables about vineyards, grapes, and wine from the Bible. K ) Noah — Genesis 9:20-27 Joseph — Genesis 40:1-23 Nadab and Abihu — Leviticus 10:1-7; Patriarchs and Prophets 361 Spies — Numbers 13 and 14 Samson — Judges 13:1-25 Ahaz — I Kings 21:1-19 Rechabites — Jeremiah 35 Vision — Ezekiel 17 Daniel — Daniel 1 Balshazzar — Daniel 5; Prophets and Kings 523 New Bottles — Matthew 9:17 (Mark 2:22; Luke 4:37-39) Laborers in the Vineyard — Matthew 20:1-16 Two Sons — Matthew 21:28-32 Householder — Matthew 21:33-41 (Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19) Lord’s Supper — Matthew 26:26-80 (Mark 14:22-96; Luke 22:15-20; I Corinthians 11:23-25) Good Samaritan — Luke 10:25-87 Marriage in Cana — John 2:1-12 Daniel and His Friends | Thy Faith fulness," “O Brother Be Faithful,” and “Faith Is the Victory." Grapes - 36The Grape Vineyard Lesson 6. Color these pictures. What story do they tell? “It is through His power that summer and winter, seedtime and harvest, day and night, follow each other in their regular succession. It is by His word that vegetation flourishes, that leaves, appear, and the flowers bloom. Every good thing we have...every morsel of food... is a gift of love." Faith I Live By 59 Grapes - 37“For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." Luke 6:44 Read Isaiah 65:21-22, Grapes - 38