Why Grow Grapes?
Grapes are a versatile addition to your garden, serving as both an edible crop and an attractive landscape plant. With proper care, they reward you with abundant, delicious fruit.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
- Sunlight: Choose a sunny location with southern exposure, away from trees and depressions where cool air collects.
- Soil: Grapes prefer moderate fertility and a pH between 5.5 and 7. Conduct a soil test and consider planting a cover crop the year before to prepare the soil.
When to Plant Grapes
Plant grapevines in late winter or early spring. In northern climates, wait until spring to avoid frost damage.
Planting Your Grapevine
Follow these steps to plant your grapevine:
- Heel In: If you can’t plant immediately, heel in the vines by placing the roots in a bucket with soil and straw or digging a shallow trench and covering the roots with soil.
- Soak Roots: Soak the roots in water for 2-3 hours before planting.
- Dig and Plant: Dig a hole as deep as the roots and plant the vine at the same level it was previously grown, covering the longest roots with a few inches of soil.
- Backfill: Gently backfill with topsoil, ensuring the roots are loose and not clumped together. Water thoroughly after planting.
Training and Supporting Your Grapevines
Proper training and support are essential for healthy grapevines:
- Pruning: Trim the plant to one straight cane for a strong, single trunk.
- Support System: Use a two-wire trellis system for easy training and support. Temporary supports like bamboo can help guide the vine upward.
- Tagging: Use permanent zinc tags to label your vines for variety identification and pruning purposes.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Water your newly planted vine if rainfall is insufficient to keep the soil moist.
- Cover Cropping: Grapes benefit from cover cropping to improve soil health and reduce weeds. Learn more about green manure cover crops.
Pruning for Future Growth
Winter pruning is critical for vine health and productivity. Train your vines for a straight trunk and select buds for permanent branches, such as a bilateral cordon setup for flame grapes.
Start your vineyard or plant a few vines today! With care and attention, you’ll enjoy homegrown grapes and the joy of organic gardening. Grow Organic for Life!
