How to Make Grape Vine Poles

In order to grow healthy, vigorous grape vine canes that receive ample sunlight, air circulation and support to produce grapes, a trellis system is needed in the garden. Two grape poles, placed roughly 10 to 15 feet apart, with the grape plant in between, creates the basic elements for an effective trellis system. Metal, PVC or wood poles suffice, with the latter the easier and least expensive to work with and purchase. The poles must be heavy, sturdy and rot-resistant, as it will be exposed to the elements and buried in occasionally wet soil.

(2) 6- to 9-foot treated wood poles (6-inch diameter)
Tape measure
Black marker
Power drill and bits
Screwdriver
(4) 4-inch eye screws
Post hole digger
Shovel
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the wooden poles with a tape measure. With a black marker, make a mark at the 3-foot measurement on each pole. This line marks where the pole emerges from its foundation hole in the garden.
- 2
  Reposition the tape measure to start from the "soil line" on the pole. Make a mark on the pole at both the 3-foot and 5- or 6-foot location, as indicated by the tape. These are the locations where you will install the 4-inch eye screws.
- 3
  Drill a hole 2-and-1/2 to 3 inches deep with an electric drill into each of the marks. Orient the drill and bit straight and into the dead center of the pole.
- 4
  Start turning an eye screw into the drill holes with your hand. Insert a sturdy metal screwdriver into the eye screw's hole and use it as a fulcrum lever to more easily turn the eye screw to drive it into the hole in the pole. Screw until the eye hole is as close to the pole surface as possible. The deeper into the wood, the stronger it is and more weight it supports.
- 5
  Dig a 3 foot deep foundation hole into the ground in the garden. Use a post hole digger large enough to accommodate the diameter of the pole. The hole must remain perpendicular to the soil surface, or for a little added strength, angled 5 degrees away from the location of the grape plant. This slight angle compensates for the added weight of the grape vines on the trellis wires that pulls against the poles.
- 6
  Place 3 inches of gravel into the bottom of the foundation hole with a shovel. This facilitates water drainage away from the pole base in the garden soil.
- 7
  Insert the pole into the hole on top of the bed of gravel, and turn the pole so that the two eye screws are directed straight toward the grape plant.
- 8
  Backfill the hole around the pole. Add an additional 4 to 6 inches of gravel around the base to prevent moisture, and then continue with soil. Invert the shovel handle occasionally to drive and pack the backfill soil down around the pole. Orient the pole as needed to keep it perfectly upright or at the slight angle.

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