How to Plant a One Acre Vineyard

Choose the grape plant. This is a complex consideration, taking into account your soil type, how much sun you get, your average temperatures, and rainfall. Don't make this choice lightly as it will likely determine your success as a vineyard farmer. The most popular grape choices in the U.S. are; chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and zinfandel.

Choose spacing distance for rows and plants, which is largely depends on your choice of grape. If you are planting smaller vines which produce less than one pound each, you will space them close together. Thjis makes them more expensive to harvest and produce, but their wines are also the most expensive on the market. The average row spacing is eight feet apart, with vines five apart. This gives proper sun on each plant allows growth over the years as your vines mature.

Analyze your soil. You will probably hire an expert, but you can buy kits are if you want to analyze the soil yourself. A soil analysis determines the missing minerals you need to supplement your soil before planting. Calcium is often needed because it will increase the pH of the soil and offer a lower acidity to your plants. Successful vineyards constantly monitor the soil pH and adjust it as necessary to grow sweet grapes.

Mark out the acre you will be planting your vineyard in, with a surveyor's tripod. Then draw lines with white chalk in the predetermined spacing. If you are using the standard five feet between plants, draw a circle every five feet along each row. Keep your rows and plants square as you work through the acre plot. Add stakes into the ends of each row and into each spot where you will plant a vine.

Plant your vines. Working in a crew of three, one person to dig the hole, another to hold the immature vine in place, and the third to cover the roots with soil. Only cover the plants about halfway and then water extremely well. Many vineyards will also place a small carton over each plant to insulate them and keep them warm while they are taking root.

Install necessary irrigation. Grapes need water to grow. If you are planting in a dry region you will need to establish a watering system of sprinklers. You can make a simple sprinkler system by adding soaker hoses in each row that you can turn on and off from a central point.

Install Trellising. Vines can grow for almost a year before you will need trellising. But once your vines are two to three feet high, add large posts and wire between each one for the grapes to grow onto. Trellising distributes the fruit on the vine and allows better ventilation and sun to each group of grapes.