The Art of Cover Crop

 A cover crop aims to bring life and biodiversity into the vineyard.

We've planted various plant species, each selected for their specific role in aiding vine health.

Plantain is a personal favourite. Not only does it strike well in our dry Central Otago climates, but it is also drought tolerant and can survive extremely adverse frosts and extended dryness. Its deep tap root aids in holding the soil together and assists in drainage during heavy rain events.

Alyssum is a wonder plant, once again, ideally suited to our harsh environment.

The small flowers provide the perfect nectar for parasitic wasps. Wasps are avine's friend as they lay their eggs into leaf-rolled caterpillars. The larvae eat the caterpillars, which cannot eat the grape. Eliminating a pesticide spray is a huge bonus.

Four types of clovers were added to the mix to support nitrogen fixation. The final plant friend is borage, which attracts all insect friends again.

By Gary Crabbe - The Kinross Viticulturist.