Common Grape

Getting Ready for Your Grape Vine

Hi there, future grape grower! Grapes are a fun and rewarding plant to grow. Let’s start with the basics.

Choosing your grape variety: You’ll find many types of grapes like "Thompson Seedless" (green), "Concord" (purple), or even red table grapes. If you're just starting out, choose one that's known to grow well in your area.

When to plant: The best time to plant grapevines is early spring when the soil starts to warm up but before it gets too hot. This gives them plenty of time to settle in before summer arrives.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your soil, consider doing a simple soil test (available at garden centers) to check its pH. Grapes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (around 5.5 to 7.0).

Tools and Materials:

Garden spade or trowel

Compost or organic matter (optional, to enrich the soil)

Watering can or hose

• Bare-root grape vine or potted grape plant
• Trellis, fence, or arbor for support
• Pruning shears

Planting Your Grape Vine

Alright, let’s get planting! Whether you’ve bought bare-root vines or potted ones, here’s how to set them up.

For Bare-Root Vines:

1. Soak the roots: Before planting, soak the roots in water for 2-3 hours. This helps rehydrate them after their journey from the nursery.
2. Dig a hole: Make a hole that’s wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. It should be about twice the size of the root system.
3. Add compost (optional): Mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil at the bottom of the hole to give your vine a nutrient boost.
4. Plant the vine: Place the vine in the hole, spreading the roots out evenly. The point where the roots meet the stem should be just above the soil line.
5. Fill with soil: Backfill the hole with the soil-compost mix, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
6. Water thoroughly: Give the vine a good drink of water right after planting.

For Potted Vines:

1. Prepare the hole: Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot your vine came in.
2. Remove from pot: Gently take the vine out of its pot. Loosen the roots if they’re tightly bound.
3. Plant the vine: Place the vine in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill and water: Fill the hole with soil, press lightly around the base, and water generously.

Support Setup: No matter which type of vine you planted, you’ll need to give it something to climb on. Install a trellis, fence, or arbor near the vine so it can grow upward. Tie the main stem loosely to the support using soft string or plant ties.

Tip: Don’t bury the vine too deeply! The roots should be covered, but the graft union (the swollen part where the vine was joined to its rootstock) should remain above ground.

Caring for Your Growing Grape Vine

Now that your grapevine is planted, let’s keep it happy and healthy!

Sunlight and Watering:

• Sunshine: Grapes love lots of sun! Make sure your vine gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If it’s not getting enough light, the fruit won’t ripen properly.
• Watering: During the first year, water regularly to help the roots establish. After that, grapes don’t need too much water. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, but avoid overwatering because soggy roots can lead to rot.

Pruning and Training:

• First Year Pruning: In the first year, focus on training the main stem to grow straight up the trellis. Cut off any side shoots that pop out along the way. You want the vine to focus its energy on growing strong and tall.
• Second Year & Beyond: Once the vine is established, prune it annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove old wood and any weak or overcrowded branches. Aim to keep 4-6 strong canes (branches) per vine.

Fertilizing:

• Grapes don’t need heavy feeding. Once a year, in early spring, sprinkle a balanced fertilizer around the base of the vine. Don’t go overboard—too much nitrogen will make the plant grow lots of leaves but fewer grapes.

Pest and Disease Watch:

• Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or birds that might snack on your grapes. You can use bird netting to protect ripening fruit.
• Diseases like mildew can also affect grapes, especially in humid climates. To prevent this, water at the base of the plant instead of overhead, and ensure good air circulation around the vine.

Tip: Regular pruning is key to keeping your grapevine productive. Don’t be afraid to cut back a lot—it actually helps the vine grow better!

When to Harvest Your Grapes

Patience is key with grapes—they usually take about 2-3 years to produce a good crop after planting.

• Signs of ripeness: Grapes won’t continue to ripen after picking, so wait until they’re fully ripe on the vine. Here’s how to tell:
  • Color: Depending on the variety, the grapes will turn green, purple, red, or black.
  • Taste: Taste a grape! They should be sweet and juicy.
  • Texture: They should feel firm but plump, and easily detach from the vine when you pick them.
• How to harvest: Use scissors or pruners to snip entire clusters from the vine. Be careful not to damage the vine while picking.

Storage Tips:

• Fresh grapes can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Store them unwashed in a plastic bag to keep them fresh longer.
• If you have more grapes than you can eat, consider making jams, juices, or drying them into raisins!

Tip: Don’t wash your grapes until you’re ready to eat them—this helps them stay fresh longer.

Q: My grapevine isn't producing fruit. What should I do?

A: Grapes often take 2-3 years to start fruiting, so patience is important. Also, make sure it’s getting enough sunlight and that you’re pruning it correctly. Too much shade or poor pruning can delay fruit production.

Q: Why are my grapes small and sour?

A: Small, sour grapes could mean they aren’t fully ripe yet. Grapes won’t sweeten after picking, so leave them on the vine a bit longer. Also, make sure you’re not overwatering or overfertilizing, as this can dilute flavor.

Q: How do I prevent birds from eating my grapes?

A: Birds love grapes! Cover your vines with bird netting when the fruit starts to ripen. You can also try hanging shiny objects like aluminum foil strips near the vines to scare them away.

Q: Should I prune my grapevine every year?

A: Yes, annual pruning is essential for grapevines. It keeps the plant healthy and encourages better fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Q: Can I grow grapes in containers?

A: Yes, but it’s a bit trickier. Choose a compact variety (like dwarf grape varieties) and use a large container (at least 15 gallons). Ensure the pot has good drainage and provide a sturdy trellis for support.