On Tue, 23 Oct 2012 Emery Davis wrote:

Our problem is that the soil is pretty acidic, but I gather
vines like chalk.

Yes, they do. Particularly a chalky, flinty soil. In fact Seyval won't
fertilise unless it *is* grown on a chalky soil. Such a malady is known
as "coulure".

Yes, I've heard of coulure, vaguely. Any tips for vines that will do
well at at pH 5 - 5.5?

Well, my experience is limited to those varieties that I grow so I can't
give you a balanced opinion. But, of those I grow, all do well on acid
soil. As I mentioned to Charlie a day or two ago, the Vigo vine
catalogue does give very valuable information on such things.
Unfortunately I can't find my copy now but a new one for next season
should be out soon.

David

--
David Rance writing from Caversham, Reading, UK
http://rance.org.uk