No secret to a bountiful grape harvest: 26 years of keeping a planting diary

Grape King winner - Qiangu Village, Chadian Town

Pei Hongzhuo, a villager from Qiangu Village, Chadian Subdistrict, Binhai New Area, has grown grapes for nearly 30 years and once took first place in Hangu's "Grape King" competition. Starting in 1989, he persisted in keeping a farming diary, recording every step of grape growing in detail. Recently, he distilled from these diaries a set of growing experience totaling more than 30,000 words, compiled it into a booklet, and shared it with neighboring growers.

Yesterday morning, the reporter saw this thick practical manual on Muscat Hamburg grape cultivation and management - "The Secret of a Bountiful Grape Harvest." The manual has 28 table of contents entries, each one broken down in detail. For example, in which season should canes be selected, how should canes be selected, and how should canes be planted in winter? Why is it better to lay wide plastic film when planting seedlings in the first year? Once the tying stage begins, how do you prevent new shoots from drooping too much? This manual has no profound theories or figures; it is straightforward and easy to understand at a glance.

"These are all from my nearly 30 years of growing experience, compiled from nearly 30 diaries," 59-year-old Pei Hongzhuo told the reporter. His family has 10 mu of grape orchard. At first he knew nothing about growing grapes, so he bought science and technology books to study. Later, the Chadian area vigorously promoted standardized grape cultivation techniques. Every year, starting when the grapes were unearthed, technicians would come to the fields to provide guidance, and he gradually grew into an expert grape grower. The grapes he grew were plump and crystal clear, very popular on the market, with annual income exceeding 100,000 yuan. In September 2013, at the "Grape King" competition of the 7th Tianjin Binhai Hangu Grape Culture and Tourism Festival, Pei Hongzhuo took the title of "Grape King" in one fell swoop.

Pei Hongzhuo said he records every step of grape growing in detail each year and has kept nearly 30 diaries in succession. Many farmers humbly seek his advice, and he does not hold back, letting everyone read the diaries. He also established the "Zhuoyue Rose Garden Professional Cooperative," which has developed more than 10 member households, all using his grape management methods.