How do I Transplant Concord Grapes?

Choose the correct time of year to transplant a Concord grapevine. In areas where the ground does not freeze during the winter, transplant during the late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant. Where the ground freezes, transplanting is done in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. This prevents the transplanted grapevine from being forced out of the ground as the ground freezes and expands.

Prune the Concord grapevine with a sharp pruning tool until there is nothing left but 1 foot of the main trunk and no branches.

Dig up the existing Concord grape plant by digging straight down with a shovel 2 feet from the main trunk on a plant over 3 years old, but closer on a younger plant. The idea is to take as much of the root system with you as possible. Slowly work your way in by pushing the shovel into the ground until you can feel how far out from the plant the roots are growing. Once you figure out how far the roots extend from the plant, gently dig around the plant. As you work carefully to dig down and under the plant, you will locate the tap root. The tap root is the large central root growing down from the main root base.

Prepare to cut the tap root with a sharp pruning tool by digging as far down as you can with a shovel until the majority of the tap root is uncovered. Cut the tap root as far down as you can with a sharp pruning tool, leaving as much of the tap root intact as possible. If you can, try to dig up the entire tap root along with the plant. However, this may be impossible on an older plant because the tap root may be 4 feet or more in the ground. Prune other roots if needed, but leave as much of the root system on the plant as you can.

Dig the new hole as soon as possible to transplant the Concord grapevine. The location should have at least six hours of full sun exposure each day and be well drained. The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the entire root system of the Concord grapevine you are moving. Be sure the hole is deep enough for the tap root. The Concord grapevine should be planted at the same depth it was planted in its previous location.

Place the root base of the Concord grapevine into the hole. Refill the hole with the soil removed from the hole. To get a good seal of soil around the roots, add water to the soil as you add it around the base of the newly transplanted grapevine.

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the root base of the newly transplanted Concord grapevine to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the root base moist, but not wet, until it is actively growing the following spring and summer, then add water when weather is dry.