How to Plant Concord Grapes in Arkansas

Plant Concord grapes in spring, when the frost is off the ground, to both protect the grapevines from frost and give them the longest possible growing season. In Arkansas, plant grapes in mid-April in the south of the state or mid-May in northern areas.

Find a site for your Concord grapes. These grapes require full sun exposure for six to eight hours every day and quick, complete drainage at all times. A south-facing slope is an ideal site for any grape vineyard. Each vine will require at least 8 to 10 feet of space in all directions, so make sure that your site is large enough for all of your grapevines.

Dig into the top 6 inches of soil in each individual planting site and pull out weeds and rocks. Grapes do not grow well with competition, and need a well-cultivated planting site. Lay 1 inch of quick-draining soil or gravel on top of each site, and follow with 2 inches of organic compost. Dig these amendments into the tilled soil to give grapes drainage and rich nutrition.

Plant grapes at ever 8 feet in the row and leave 9 to 12 feet between rows. Pack the soil in firmly around grapes at planting, as the plants will fail if air pockets exist in their soil. Water each grape vine with 3 to 4 inches of water at planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch over the soil around each grape to keep weeds down and maintain soil moisture and warmth. Maintain this mulch layer as it breaks down, to continue your grapevine protection.

Cut each grapevine down to a single cane with two to five growing buds, to encourage branching and new growth. Each of these buds will become a vine for fruiting.