How to Grow Grapes on Half an Acre

Plant your grape vines in rows that run from north to south so they get as much sun as possible. Allow 9 feet between rows and 8 feet between each vine. Plant your half-acre plot in the spring, as soon as the danger of frost has passed.

Avoid soils that don't drain well because grape vines dislike "wet feet." The roots of grape vines prefer nutrient-rich soil that retains some moisture after draining. If your planting site has an abundance of rocks, remove as many as you can to ensure good root growth.

Dig a 13-inch-deep hole for each vine and fan out the roots on the surface of the soil within the depression. Replace the soil around the roots, gently tugging the vine upward so the roots point down. Use the telltale dirt line on the vine--about 10 inches above the roots--as a planting gauge. Cover the roots with a mound of dirt and firm up the area around the vine with your hands. Plant each vine in your half-acre plot in the same fashion.

Water your newly planted grape vine as soon as possible after installation. Grape vines appreciate a good drink but dislike too much water. Discontinue watering when small puddles begin to form on the surface of the soil. Make sure that each vine in your half-acre area receives adequate water. Re-water every four days for a month and then as needed.

Resist the temptation to feed or fertilize your grape vines. They adapt very quickly to a new growing site and will draw up all the nutrients they need from the soil.