How to Care for Concord Grapes

Provide the Concord grapes with some form of support. A trellis or arbor not only gives support, it offers an eye-catching accent to the grape vineyard. Hammer the trellis or arbor into the soil 2 to 3 inches behind the Concord grapes. Secure the stems of the Concord grapes to the trellis with elastic twine.

Water the Concord grapes weekly using a soaker hose during their first growing season. Deep, 30- to 60-minute soakings should suffice. Concord grapes will only require supplemental waterings in lieu of rain after the first growing season.

Feed the Concord grapes a 16-16-8 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to label directions. Most Concord grape varieties appreciate a dose of fertilizer every year, in the early spring.

Prune the Concord grapes in the early spring, ideally in March or April before new growth appears. Use a pruning tool to remove dead or damaged canes. Remove approximately 90 percent of the previous year's growth using a pruning tool. A heavy pruning will encourage new growth and promote heavy fruiting.

Pull weeds by hand. Removing the weeds is necessary since they will compete with the grapes for water. Spreading a 3- to 4-inch layer of bark chips around the Concord grape plants will reduce weed growth and improve drainage.