How to Plant Grapes in Ohio

Plan to plant your grapes in the spring if you live in Ohio. Newly planted grapevines may not withstand the deep freezes of Ohio winters. Break up the soil to a depth of 2 feet using a pitchfork and test the pH using a soil testing kit.

Amend the soil if necessary. Grapes prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, so you will need to mix lime in with the soil if the pH is below 5.5. If the pH is above 6.5, add peat moss. Add the required amendment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dig holes large enough to accommodate the roots. Remove the grapevines from their nursery containers and deposit one grapevine in the center of each hole with the roots spread.

Backfill the holes and pat the soil around each grapevine to remove air pockets. Water the grapevines using a soaker hose. Supply 1 inch of water per week, maintaining moist soil at a depth of 1 inch for the first growing season.

Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the grapevines. Mulching with bark chips or straw will suppress weeds and improve drainage. A layer of mulch will also protect the roots during the winter.

Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer to the soil around the grapevines approximately one week after planting. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hammer a trellis or arbor into the soil 2 to 3 inches behind the grapevines. Attach the grapevines to the trellis or arbor using elastic twine. The trellis or arbor will support the vines and give surface on which to climb. Grapevines will grow only to the height of their support.