How to Grow & Prune Grape Vines

Growing and Pruning Grapevines

• 1

  Before maintaining or growing your own grapevines, be sure to speak with an expert at a local nursery to determine the specific needs and growth vigor of your grapevines. If you do not already have grapevines growing, speak with the specialist about establishing these grapevines. If you already have grapevines growing, speak with the specialist to determine your grapevines are receiving an ample amount of water and sunlight each day.

• 2

  To ensure your grapevines are growing as efficiently as possible, be sure the vines have a support system to grow along. If your grapevines droop, establish a wire trellis system by placing wooden stakes in the ground, approximately two feet apart, and hammer into ground. Loop wire along the wooden stakes and wrap vines along the wire. If grapevines are pulled too tightly, first weave the wire around the grapevines and pull tight before attaching to wooden stakes. This will keep the grapevines growing along a strong support system.

• 3

  Be sure your plants are receiving the proper amount of sun and water each day. Remove any overgrowth that may be preventing sunlight from reaching the vines, and water once a week using a watering can or sprinkler. If you live in a dry or excessively warm climate, multiple waterings each week may be necessary. Be sure you water the grapes, vines and roots, not simply just the buds, to ensure wine remains healthy and productive.

• 4

  Grapevines must be pruned regularly to ensure efficient grape production. Use shears or hand pruners to remove all but the thickest, strongest stems of the vines. When pruning the vines, work at the base of the plant, where the vine connects to the main trunk. Prune unnecessary or unproductive buds to distribute the grape load evenly along the cordons, which will allow the dominant buds to grow and produce grapes. With most grapevines, between eighty-five to ninety percent of the one-year-old wood will be removed during pruning, allowing the vines to retain their structure.