Mustard Season
Discover mustard season in wine country. Every year just before spring, the ground between the vines comes alive with bright mustard blooms, usually peaking in mid-February. Here in Carneros, we are treated to a vibrant show of yellows and oranges right outside our door.
These flowers aren’t just for show however, continue reading to learn how the mustard helps protect and nourish the vines.
- Mustard has naturally high levels of biofumigants that help keep away microscopic worms called nematodes that like to munch on the vine’s roots.
- Biodiversity is crucial to a vineyard’s overall health and the mustard attracts pollinators and other critters that help make the vineyard a complete and healthy ecosystem.
- On steep, sloped terrain the mustard helps prevent erosion and nutrient run-off. On flatter ground, it helps regulate moisture, especially when the soil can’t drain well on its own.
- Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for healthy soil and mustard is excellent at recycling it.