The Care & Maintenance of Grapevines

Planting

• Plant grapevines in the spring, after all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 6 to 10 feet apart in holes 12 inches deep and wide. Add 4 inches of topsoil to the hole. Cut off damaged roots or vine growth before planting. Place the grapevine into the prepared hole, slightly deeper than as grown in the nursery pot. Cover the roots with topsoil and water well. First-year growth is important to future fruit production, and regular watering is required.

Grapevine Care

• Grapevines are very deeply rooted, and unless the soil is extremely poor, do not require much fertilization. If fertilized, however, place it at least 6 inches from the base of the plant, evenly spread, using a 10-10-10 variant. Essential to healthy vine growth, pruning should occur during the dormant stage, in early spring, before new shoots appear. The fruit grows on each year's vine growth, and pruning promotes vigorous development of new fruit-bearing shoots.

Harvesting

• Grapes will ripen only on the vine. Wait until they darken in color and taste sweet before removing them. Use a sharp knife or garden pruners to cut the stems, but watch for hovering, stinging insects that also enjoy the grapes' flavor. Grapes are best fresh but can be stored in a refrigerator for up to one week and frozen for later use in drinks.

Health Benefits

• Often referred to as "the nectar of the gods," grapes are full of nutrients and low in fat and calories. Vitamin content includes A, C and B6, and mineral value includes phosphorous, iron, potassium and calcium. Loaded with antioxidants, grapes also work to fight many health issues, from fatigue to heart disease. The health benefits of this small fruit make it easy for gardeners to consider a grapevine or two when creating their plant list.