How to Plant a Mini Vineyard

Select a planting area that has well-draining soil and full sunlight for at least eight hours a day. Plant the grapes so the trellis you'll build runs north/south for best results.

Work the soil with a tiller to loosen it to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Add about 2 inches of organic compost to the soil and work it with the tiller to increase the nutrient value.

Dig a planting hole that is wide enough to accommodate the grape cane roots spread out and the same depth they are growing in the nursery. Place the cane into the hole and spread out the roots. Fill soil around the cane and tamp lightly to hold in place. Set the canes about 4 feet apart.

Cut off the top of the cane so there are two to three buds remaining. Pruning promotes new, strong growth.

Saturate the soil with water after planting to prevent air pockets around the roots and stimulate root growth. Moisten the soil each day for the first month after planting.

Apply a 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the grape canes to hold moisture in the soil during the hot summer months.

Fertilize the soil around the grape vines with a high-nitrogen fertilizer about two weeks after planting. Use the package application rate based on the length of grapevine rows.

Build a 6-foot-high trellis or arbor behind the grape canes to support the vines as they grow. Set the poles about 6 feet apart with support wires or bars set at heights of 36 inches and 60 inches.