How to Plant Grapes in the Western Cape

Start grapevines after the last frost in spring, which falls in August in Western Cape. Although the grapevines will survive year round in this region, they will do best with a long summer season that starts in early spring.

Find a site where the grapevines will get eight hours of full sun every day and quick, efficient drainage. Plant the vines on a slope if you can, where they will never sit in standing water. Make sure that the site offers at least 8 to 12 feet in every direction for each grapevine, to give them adequate growing space.

Prepare planting sites at 8 to 12 feet on the row, depending on the size of your cultivar, and in rows at 9 to 10 feet. Mix 2 inches of quick-draining soil and 2 inches of organic compost into the top 6 inches of soil at each planting site to give the drains good drainage and nutrition. This additional material will raise each planting site to further encourage drainage and air circulation.

Plant the grapevines in holes that are as deep and twice as wide as their root balls. Pack soil in around the roots and then water with 5 to 6 inches of water to eliminate any air pockets, which will keep the vines from growing.

Mulch the grapevines with 2 to 3 inches of organic compost to keep weeds down and maintain soil moisture in this hot, sunny atmosphere. Replenish the layer of mulch as it breaks down and returns to the soil.

Put a trellis or arbor behind each grapevine, for support when the vines get tall enough.