Grapes
Planting and Growing Grapes
Grapes are long-lived, productive plants that can provide fresh fruit for decades. With proper planting, support and pruning, grapevines are relatively easy to grow and can even last up to 100 years with basic care.
Choosing the Right Planting Location
Grapes grow best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Select a location with fertile, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, mixing in compost and perlite can improve drainage and root growth.
Grapevines need sturdy support and plenty of space, as mature vines can spread up to 15 feet wide. When choosing a location, consider how you will access the vines for pruning and harvesting. Fertilize grapes with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that includes trace nutrients to encourage healthy growth.
Training and Pruning Grapevines
Proper pruning and training help grapevines stay productive and manageable.
First Growing Season
Select the strongest cane and tie it to a stake about 5 feet tall. Remove all other canes so the plant can focus its energy on strong root and vine development.
Second Growing Season
Install support posts spaced 20 to 30 feet apart and stretch galvanized wire between them at 30 inches and 60 inches high. Remove side branches from the main cane and tie it to the lower wire to encourage upward growth.
Third Growing Season
Use the “four-arm” training system. Select two strong canes near each wire and remove the rest. Leave one extra cane with two buds as a renewal spur. Prune the lower wire canes to about six buds and upper wire canes to four or five buds. Gently wrap and tie the canes along the wires to guide growth.
Popular Grape Varieties
Concord – A blue-black grape that is vigorous, reliable and widely grown. Excellent for juice, jelly, wine and fresh eating. Mid- to late-season harvest.
Niagara – A popular white grape with large clusters and excellent flavor. Great for fresh eating or wine. Late-season harvest.
Catawba – A hardy red grape that produces medium-sized fruit. Known for strong growth and late-season harvest.
Lakemont – A sweet white grape that ripens to a yellow-green color. A great choice for fresh eating.
Candice – A red grape with excellent flavor and strong disease resistance. Ripens early, usually about two weeks before Concord.
With proper care, training and pruning, grapevines can become a beautiful and productive part of your garden, providing fresh fruit for many years.