How to Grow Grapes in a Yard

Plant the selected variety of grapes in a well-draining site in your yard with full sun exposure and soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Plant multiple plants 8 feet apart in a row, with rows spaced 10 to 12 feet apart from each other.

Locate the strongest, straightest cane of each plant immediately after planting and cut it down to three buds that develop into individual canes. Remove the remaining canes on each plant, using sharp scissors.

Provide each grapevine with 1 inch of water every week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to provide a steady flow of water at the base of the plant.

Feed each plant 1 lb. of 10-6-4 fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. Spread fertilizer granules 6 inches from the base of the plant and irrigate deeply. Alternatively, feed 10 lbs. of the fertilizer per 100 square feet of row space.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the base of each grapevine to keep the roots cool, retain soil moisture and prevent weed infestations. Space the mulch 4 inches from the base of the plant to prevent direct contact that encourages rot.

Pound a 6-foot wooden or metal stake behind each plant soon after planting. Work slowly so you do not damage the growing roots. Secure the growing tendrils of each plant to the stake, using elastic ties or strips of nylon cloth to train them to climb upward.

Pound a 7-foot wooden post 10 to 12 inches into the ground, behind each grapevine, spaced 8 feet apart. Run two parallel lengths of high-tensile wire around the two posts, spaced 3 feet and 5 feet from the ground. Wrap the end of each wire around the post several times, and insert its loose end inside the folds to prevent it from coming loose.

Train the growing grapevine to climb the lower wire and then the upper wire of the trellis when it reaches the top of the stake. Cut the shoots of each grapevine down to two buds along the lower wire of the trellis and secure these with elastic ties. Snip off the shoots between the two wires. Train the grapevine to feature four canes with eight buds each.

Pull out weeds that grow near the grapevines, using a gloved hand. Spread netting over the plants to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Collect stem clippings from the ground and discard them to prevent fungal diseases.