Plant Food for Grapes

Adding Plant Food

• Because the roots of grapes grow deep, fertilizing is often not necessary. Do not add plant food unless the grapes are planted in poor quality soil or the leaves have discolored foliage. The National Garden Association suggests that all plants can benefit from plant food in the second year of growth.

About Plant Food

• Three nutrients are used in plant food for grapes: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. According to Fine Gardening Magazine, a plant food with the numbers 10-10-10 means that the fertilizer contains 10 percent by weight of the total formula of each of these three nutrients, or 30 percent of the mixture contains these three nutrients. If 10-20-20 is used, then 50 percent of the plant food contains these nutrients. If needed, grapes should be fed with a 10-10-10 to 10-20-20 mixture of plant food.

Start Right

• Grow grapes in rich, well-drained dirt. Mix with sand, peat or organic materials such as leaves or manure. Plant grapes in areas that receive sun exposure from the south. Place plants six to eight feet apart. Support grape vines on a trellis or fence.

Test the Soil

• Have your soil tested at your local extension service, garden center or nursery. A soil test can help determine which of the three main nutrients your soil may be lacking. The extension service, garden center or nursery can help you determine the correct amount of fertilizer for your area.