Growing Seedless Grapes on My Backyard Fence

Growing Preferences

• Grapes grow well in sunny areas and in well-drained soils. They are not particular about the quality of the soil. Soils that are too rich produce too much vine material and diminished fruit quality. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is recommended by horticulturists on Ohio State University website. Grapes appreciate air movement, which is why they are often grown on slopes and farm terraces. Avoid planting them in low areas that are prone to early frost. Grapes may do well with a fence support if they have room for good air circulation and enough sunlight. Planting six vines should be enough to feed an average family.

Planting

• Grapes are planted in the early spring or late fall. Choose a year-old vine that has vigorous growth. Do not trim the roots unless they are damaged. Grape roots spread to a space of several feet during the first two years. Till or spade the soil, and plant the vines, allowing plenty of room for root growth. Plant the vine at the same depth, or slightly deeper, than it was at the nursery. Tamp down the soil, and water the vine if the soil is dry. Extension specialist E. B. Poling writes in the North Carolina Extension Service it's fine to pruning the vine back to one stem with two or three buds.

Establishing the Plants

• It takes three years for a grape plant to become established. Vines are trained by pruning, and tying the canes to a support. Train vines to grow next to a fence by tying the canes to a wire above the trunk and arms of the plant, in an upright position. Some growers allow the fruit-bearing shoots to hang down (or droop) from the wires. There are several methods of training grapes, including a lateral method that allows the canes to develop from the trunk in a lateral position. This method is called a cordon training method.

Home Growing Cultivars

• Horticulturists recommend on Ohio State University's website purchasing recommend several seedless varieties for home growing. Reliance is a red table grape that is sweet and hardy. Niagara is a late-season white grape that makes delicious juice and wine. Canadice is a sweet, high-yielding and early season red table grape that has high sugar content. Catawba is a late-season red grape that is primarily grown for making wine.