PRINCESS ANNE-MD- (August 27, 2021)-UMES Extension is hosting a workshop on grape cultivation Sat., September 4, at 10 a.m. at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s orchard on campus. Growers and gardening enthusiasts can view 38 varieties of grapes grown there and learn about tips for successful cultivation on the Eastern Shore.

“Current grape demand is 500 tons per year to support the 110 local wineries in the state,” said Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit, assistant professor of horticulture and UMES Extension specialist.  “At the UMES orchard, we have 18 varieties of table grapes and 20 varieties grown for winemaking for research and educational purposes.  Currently, our focus is on developing the architecture of vines.”

The workshop will also double as a make-up day for an Asian vegetable workshop that was rescheduled due to inclement weather earlier this month.  Participants can learn about growing bottle and bitter gourds for a growing demand for ethnic crops and for crop diversification.

Both events are free and registration is required by visiting www.umes.edu/SANS/Events/.

Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.

Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications photographer/videographer, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, tdudek@umes.edu.