Growing Grapes How To
Article by Efrain
When growing grapes at home there are some things that are essential to your gardens success. Choosing the right location, preparing the site, constructing a support structure and learning to train the new vine will get you on your way.
Choose a location with as much sun exposure as possible. Ideally, plant your vines in an area with a southern exposure. If it is not possible to plant the vine in the sun you can train the vine to a sunny location on your property. The vine will naturally seek sun, just give it some help to get it where you would like it to go. If you are planting the vine for the foliage only, then it is fine to plant the vine in shade.
Because of the weight of mature grapevines, they need a solid structure to climb. Arbors are a favorite choice for many folks. A fence or trellis are other options. Any interwoven structure made of wood, iron or PVC pipe will work to support the heavy vines. It is best to put the structure in place before you plant your vines.
An important factor when growing grapes at home is soil drainage. Your grape plants will not grow well if you have heavy clay soils with poor drainage. You can improve the quality of clay soils by incorporating organic material to the soil.
To plant your vine, dig a hole large enough for the root system to easily spread, about twice the size of the container the vine is in works well. Soak the roots for a couple hours before planting. Do not prune the roots, unless they are damaged. Plant the vine to the same depth that it was planted at the nursery.
Grapes require about an inch of water per week during the first growing season. Plant in early spring and let Mother Nature water your plants for you.
During the vine’s first year the main goal is to develop a strong trunk and healthy roots system. To cultivate the trunk, cut the plant back to one stem leaving two or three buds. When these buds reach about ten inches in length choose the most vital shoot as the trunk. Trim all additional shoots so all of the roots energy goes to main trunk. Train this main shoot to the support structure by loosely tying with string or cloth. Continue to pinch back lateral shoots until the trunk is established how do i grow grapes.
Make sure to keep the growing area weed free. Because grape roots are shallow, weeds can have a negative effect on the vines growth. Mulching will help control the weeds and keep moisture in the soil
growing a grape.
Keeping these simple guidelines in mind, you will be well on your way to having your own backyard vineyard. Enjoy grow grapes at home!
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