How to Build Grape Vine Supports With Poles

Install an 8-foot post in the center of the grapevine row. Dig the hole deep enough to place the bottom 12 to 16 inches of the post in the ground, anchoring it securely.

Place an additional post on either side of the center pole. Install the poles so there is 6 feet of space between each of the three poles. Add additional poles as necessary lengthening the support system, placing a pole every 6 feet along the row.

Wrap one end of a 9-gauge wire around the first pole in the row, placing it 36 inches above the soil’s surface. Stretch the wire down the row of poles, wrapping it once or twice around each pole anchoring the wire in place.

Staple the wire to each pole using a staple gun and heavy-duty staples. The staples prevent the wire from slipping down the pole under the grapevines’ weight.

Install a second wire down the row of poles, wrapping it and stapling it to each pole. Place the second wire 24 inches above the first wire or 5 feet above the soil’s surface.

Plant a grapevine between each set of poles, placing the vine halfway between each pole. Install a 3- to 4-foot wood or metal stake behind each plant.

Tie the main vine or trunk to the stake with plant ties as it grows. Continue tying until the vine reaches the first wire. Train the side vines to grow along the wire on either side of the main plant. Prune the extra vines from the trunk until the grapevine reaches the second wire. Train the upper side branches along the top wire.