Grapevine Growing Tips and Advice

Location

• To provide the full sun and high temperatures that grapes require, plant vines in a location with a southern exposure. A gentle southern slope is ideal. In locations with a short growing season, plant grapes near a structure that will trap the sun's energy and reflect it back to the plants. A spot with well-drained soil and a pH between 5.0 and 6.0 is optimum.

Planting

• Before planting the vines, trim broken or very long roots and remove all but one vigorous cane. Allow six to eight feet between plants, digging a hole wide enough for the roots to spread out without bending. Plant at the same level they were planted at the nursery. Trim the single cane down to two healthy buds; each will become a new cane.

Fertilizing

• A week after planting grapevines, apply 8 oz. of 10-10-10 fertilizer to each plant. Keep the fertilizer six to 12 inches away from the trunk and spread it outward to the edge of the vine. Add a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches deep between the vines for weed control and moisture retention.

Training the Vines

• When growing in the wild, grapevines use trees as a natural trellis. In home gardens and vineyards, the grower must provide support for vines that would otherwise sprawl across the ground. One common method is known as the four-arm Kniffen system. Set wood posts 15 feet apart with about 65 inches of post above the ground. Fasten two horizontal wires to the posts, one at 36 inches and the other at 60. Tie the vine to a stake for support until it grows tall enough to be attached to the wires.

Pruning

• Grapes must be pruned to produce quality fruit. The year after planting, remove all canes except two. As flowers form, remove them to encourage the growth of leaves and roots. By the third year, allow some grapes to develop. By the fourth year, the vines should be strong enough for a full crop. Aim for 40 to 60 buds per vine for juice, jelly and eating, and 20 to 30 buds per vine for wine. Prune during the dormant season each year, keeping new growth near the center of the vine. Thin fruit to no more than one cluster of grapes per shoot.

Herbicide Sensitivity

• Grapevines can be damaged or even killed by 2,4-D, a product commonly used to kill weeds in lawns. If treating the lawn with 2,4-D is unavoidable, do so when a breeze will not cause the herbicide to drift toward the grapes. Do not use fertilizers combined with herbicides anywhere near the grapevines.