How to Grow Grapes in Zone 6 in Arkansas

Start the soil preparation just before the last frost of the year, to give amendments time to rest before planting. Northern Arkansas' last frost averages from mid- to late April, so begin the process in early April.

Find a spot for your grapes. They need full sunshine all day, with good drainage and moderate air circulation. South-facing slopes provide ideal vineyard locations. Make sure that your site has 10 to 20 feet of space for each planting.

Set out your planting sites ahead of time, for easier soil amendment. Give each grapevine 10 to 20 feet in the row, depending on cultivar, and leave 10 to 12 feet between multiple rows. Prepare a 2-foot by 2-foot site for each planting, and leave the soil between plantings alone. Dig into the top 12 inches of soil and add 5 inches of organic compost to increase soil quality and drainage.

Plant hardy grapes in this region, for better survival rates. Start your planting after the last frost of the year, and focus on cultivars like Chambourcin, Marechal Foch, Norton, Noiret, Corot Noir and Frontenac. These cultivars survive the sub-freezing temperatures of zone 6, while others would not. Dig holes just deep and wide enough for the root balls of each grape cane, and spread the roots in the holes. Fill the holes halfway with amended soil, then water the canes with 1/2 gallon of water each, to settle the soil. Finish your planting and pack soil around the bases of the canes to secure them.

Prune each cane down to one healthy vine or two to three growing buds. This enhances new growth and helps to shape your future grapevines. Put a trellis up behind each row of grapes for future training.

Feed each grapevine with 10-10-10 fertilizer. Scatter 1/4 lb. of fertilizer in an 18-inch circle around each grapevine, and use a hand or garden fork to dig the fertilizer into the top level of soil. Water the grapevines with 1/2 gallon of water after feeding to disseminate the fertilizer.

Spread 2 inches of mulch over the ground in your 18-inch circle to protect the soil from drying, and put the grapes on a schedule of 2 to 3 inches of water a week.