How to Grow Grapes
Growing grapes can be a complex, but not overly difficult project. Time, patience, and a bit of skill help turn ordinary vineyard grapes into a winery-class product. Read here and follow these steps to success.
Tools:
Shovel
Bucket
Mosquito Net
Pruning Shears
Fertilizer and compost, if necessary
Trellis
Materials:
Rootstock
Water
Soil
Choose your Stock Wisely
Many growers opt for purple or green grapes because these are most commonly available at local nurseries. Because local nurseries typically sell stock that grows well in that climate and soil, these are often the easiest to purchase and grow.
For those planning to plant less than two acres of grapes, it is best to plant the same type of grape throughout the entire acreage.
The ideal size for a new vineyard is five to ten acres.
Plant varieties compatible with the minimum winter temperature in your growing area. Even the hardiest grapes often suffer freeze damage at temperatures less than -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing to Plant
Before determining to plant grapes, be sure that soil and climate conditions are appropriate for this crop. Consult with a county extension agent or other local growers if possible.
Grape growers depend on a set minimum temperature during the winter, as well as the length of time permitted for crops to grow and a minimum amount of annual rainfall. These numbers vary from region to region, so checking before planting is extremely important. Usually, the longer the growing season, the better.
Select a sunny area of ground. Grapes require extensive amounts of sunlight to grow. Ideally, plant on a hill or large mound.
Consider the availability of water and ground moisture. Grapes require fairly large amounts of water for growth.
Choose a site with a soil pH between 6 and 6.5. Soil with a pH greater than 7.4 is not suitable for grape growing.
Purchase the rootstock. Then place the roots in a bucket of water until the stock is planted. If the roots dry out, they will die. If unable to plant the stock for more than 24 hours, use the shovel to dig a shallow hole and bury the roots in dirt. Keep them moist and do not let them dry out.
Plant the vines in early springtime. This allows the root sufficient time to develop completely and grow deeply into the ground.
Use the shovel to dig a hole and plant the rootstock. Vines should be planted between seven and eight feet apart from one another so that they can breathe.
Keep the roots moist during the first 30 days after planting. Train the vines to begin growing up a trellis shortly after planting to maximize health and growth potential.
Place a net over the vines to protect the fruits from predators when the grapes are nearly ripe. When the grapes are ripe, harvest them by cutting the bunches off the vines with pruning shears.
Additional Tips and Information
Dark green leaves indicate healthy vines. If the leaves are not dark green in color, add compost to the soil around the base of the vine.
Prune each vine in late winter/early spring (February or March). Be sure to remove wood damaged by winter cold. If you do not prune the vines back, the fruit will grow small and the vines will grow wild and unruly.
Watch for and protect the vines from rot, fungus, and rodents.
A typical acre contains approximately 726 vines. Each vine will produce between 11 and 12 pounds of fruit.
Choose ground that drains well. Standing water will kill the vines and roots.