How to Grow Muscadine Grapes in North Carolina

Select a place in your yard that provides at least six hours of sunlight per day. The area in which the grapes are to be planted should be well drained. In North Carolina's mountain regions, Muscadines can be planted on slopes or on other high ground, but in all regions, avoid planting them in places that get boggy in the spring and summer.

Test the soil with a test kit, or take a sample to your local cooperative extension office to determine what, if any, amendments are necessary to grow your grapes. Because Muscadine grapes enjoy sandy, well-drained loam, North Carolina's mountain region may require the addition of sand or gypsum. But you may find that the soil in the eastern part of the state is already sufficient to plant Muscadines. The optimum soil pH for Muscadine grapes is 5.5 to 6.5. Add sulfur to reduce the soil's pH, or add decayed organic matter to increase the soil pH.

Plant the grape vines on either a metal or wire arbor. Placement of the individual Muscadine grape vines should be approximately 10 feet apart.

Prune the grapes yearly to produce new growth on which fruit can be born. It is important to learn as much as you can about pruning grapes, because of North Carolina's ideal climate. On one hand, it can produce exceptionally good fruit. But at the same time, the vines will grow quickly and can become unmanageable if you aren't careful.