Can Established Grapevines Be Transplanted?

Timing

• Transplant grapevines in early spring, while they're dormant. Prune the vines beforehand, to five to 12 buds on each cane. This pruning encourages spring growth and summer fruit production, and makes the transplant easier.

New Site

• Choose and prepare a new planting site before you dig the grapevines up; the vines cannot spend much time out of the soil during the process or they'll dry and die. Find a new spot with full sunshine, efficient drainage, air movement and cultivar-appropriate spacing. Some grapevines require only 8 to 10 feet of space, while others need up to 20 feet for full growth.

Soil Preparation

• Amend the soil in your new planting sites for good nutrition and quick establishment. Prepare a 2-foot-square site for each grapevine to give the roots room to expand. The Purdue University Department of Horticulture notes that the most successful grapevines grow in sites with deep, loose soil for root establishment. Dig 6 to 8 inches of organic compost into the top 18 inches of soil for a loose, nutritious foundation.

Process

• Dig the established grapevines up carefully, and move as much of the root balls as you can. Plant each root ball in a hole deep and wide enough to contain it, to keep the vines planted at their previous depths. Pack amended soil around the root balls and water each vine with 1/2 gallon of water to settle the soil. Place organic mulch over the soil to maintain moisture and warmth, and give the grapevines a new trellis for growing. Put them on their standard summer watering schedule.