How to Grow Grapes in Zone Three

Select grapes that are hardy in zone 3. The zones that grapes are hardy for are found by reading the label on the grape vines, talking to the owner of the nursery store, or contacting your local county extension agent. Usually the grape vines sold at the nearby nursery are hardy in to grow in that area, but it never hurts to check..

Find an area in your yard to grow the grape vines. They need to grow in a place that has 8 hours of sun and some wind protection. Also, try to find an area that is higher in elevation. If frost is expected in your area, it's the low lying areas that get hit first with late spring or early fall frosts.

Till the area where the grape vines are to be planted. Remove all the weeds and other vegetation growing in the area, because grapes do not do well with competition. Amend the soil with 3 to 4 inches of compost. Space the holes hole 8 feet apart, with 10 to 12 feet of space between each row.

Dig holes with a spade or shovel that is twice as wide as the grape's container, and twice as deep as the container. Scuff the sides and bottom of the holes, so the roots can penetrate through the soil easier.

Back fill the amended soil into the hole filling it a little over half full. Position the root ball into the hole, checking it for depth. Have the top of the root ball a fourth of an inch higher than ground level. The soil will settle below the root ball leaving the root ball level with the ground.

Scuff the sides of the root ball with your fingers. If the roots are visible, gently pull them away from the root ball. This keeps the roots from choking the grape vine to death.

Back fill the amend soil around the root ball. Tamp the soil down to eliminate air pockets.

Prune the grape vines back so each cane has only two or three buds. This encourages the grape vine to branch out more.

Turn the water on to a slow flow and water the grape vines deeply and thoroughly to a depth of 16 inches.

Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch over the ground. The mulch helps the soil to retain moisture and it also keeps the weeds from growing.

Place a trellis behind the grape vines to provide support for the grape vines to grow on. Pound posts into the ground behind the grape vines, spacing them 8 to 10 feet apart. Secure two to five wires on the posts to make a fence. Begin the lowest wire 1.5 to 2 feet above the ground and space the other wires 15 inches apart. As the grape vines grow, secure the branches of the vine to the wire with soft twine.