How to Plant Grape Vines in WI

Season before Planting: Preparing the Planting Bed

• 1

  Collect and submit a soil test to a soil-testing lab or your local extension office to learn the pH and mineral content of your soil. Grapes grow best with a soil pH of 6 to 7. Phosphorus and potassium levels should be at 25 and 100 parts per million, respectively. Add fertilizer and amendments as needed to correct any problems.

• 2

  Control weeds with a non-residual herbicide or by tilling.

• 3

  Till organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil.

• 4

  Scatter perennial ryegrass seed in late summer to establish a turf that prevent soil erosion over the winter. Lay out the planting area and remove strips of sod 3 to 4 feet wide.

Planting Grapevines

• 5

  Store bareroot plants in moist sawdust in the refrigerator. As soon as you can work the soil, you can plant your grapes.

• 6

  Place bareroot plants in a bucket of water a few hours before planting. Don't let them sit in water for more than eight hours.

• 7

  Trim off any broken or dead roots and remove all but the most vigorously growing canes from the top of the plant.

• 8

  Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the grapevine's roots without bending them. Plant grapevines at the depth they were planted in the nursery.

• 9

  Spread the roots of the grapevine in the planting hole and carefully fill in soil around the roots, pressing it firmly to minimize air pockets.

• 10

  Water the grapevine thoroughly after planting to remove any remaining air pockets from the soil. Continue watering the vines every few days until established.

• 11

  Insert a stake into the soil beside the plant and tie the plant to the stake to begin training it to grow upright. Once the vine reaches the first wire on your trellis, you can remove the stake.