What Can Be Planted With Seedless Pink Reliance Grapes?

Pink Seedless Reliance Grapes

• The hardiness of this seedless grape is only one of many characteristics that set this grape apart. The rosy-sweet fruit is large and plump, making it a good table grape for snacking. It stores well, up to three months, and was developed in the North, making it one of the best seedless varieties for Northern gardeners. The fruit has a melting texture with a thin skin; however, the skin does not "slip." Pink seedless reliance grapes are resistant to diseases such as anthracnose and mildews.

Cover Cropping

• Grapes need to be trellised for the vines to achieve the greatest light, air circulation and for ease of harvesting. The rows between the grapes can be planted with a cover crop, which are plants grown around or in between desirable crops to reduce weeds, prevent erosion, add nutrients, attract (or repel) insects and pollinators and manipulate soil moisture. Choosing what type of plant to grow around your pink seedless reliance grapes will depend upon the needs of the soil.

Types of Plants to Use for Cover Cropping

• Brassicas (rapeseed and mustards) offer biofumigant properties for killing pathogens in the soil and establish quickly in cooler weather. Buckwheat establishes quickly in hot weather and provides fast, temporary soil improvement. Cereal rye is good at controlling weeds through its alleopathic properties (the ability to release chemicals that prevent other plants from growing). Fine fescues offer good low-maintenance cover for hard soils and shady sights. Oats grow quickly and are an ideal nurse crop (starting new grape plants). Good catch crops to trap moisture and hold soil in place are ryegrasses. Sorghum and sudangrass are good biofumigant plants that produce a large biomass for soil improvement.

Companion Planting

• Companion planting is a little different than cover crops. Cover cropping is generally a long-term investment using plants that are easy to maintain. Companion planting can be used in a small scale situation using plants that may require more maintenance but offer the gardener extra bonuses. Chives and garlic can be planted with pink seedless reliance grapes to help ward off Japanese beetles and aphids, and they supposedly reduce mildew and some fungal diseases. The added bonus is that you can eat your chives and garlic.