Basic Knowledge on How to Grow Grapes

2010-03-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Growing grapes is not easy, it is complex and consumes time for the several steps must undertake to have a great vineyard. Actually a book is written just for this project, to prove that it is not easy project to do. The following are the steps on growing grapes so that you could have an idea on how this is done.

The first step is the selection on the type of grapes you want to grow. In this matter, there are different considerations like the climate; soil conditions that are should be conducive for growing grapes. Do also consider on what are you going to do with the grapes after you harvest them, is it to make juice, jelly, wine or for snacks. After these considerations, you will consult now a local nursery to select on grapes varieties that fit your needs, location and climate. Most varieties of grapes will begin to bear fruits until about two to four years after being planted.

When it comes to handling your grape rootstocks, never let the roots dry out. Make sure that you plant the bare rootstock as soon as you get them or place the roots in a bucket of water and soak them but do not soak them more than a day. If you cannot plant them for more than a day after bringing them home, you can dig a shallow trench and bury temporarily the roots. This way, you can store the roots until planting time but make sure the roots are moist.

Next is planting the grapevines you have selected and you should plant the grapevines at least 8 feet apart in rich, well-drained soil. Unlike other crops, grapevines grow in a sandy, rocking and sloping land. Proper drainage is important in growing grapes, if not you will encounter grape disease. But for the first month makes sure that the grape vines are properly water soaking the entire roots so that the roots will settle and have a good grip to the soil. At least 8 feet around the base is cultivated. The roots of a single grapevine can spread out three to six feet from the base of the plant.

Make sure that you check the leaves in the first few years as they grow, when the leaves are dark green and healthy, it means your vines are enough nutrients. If the other way around, you should add about 6 inches of compost around the base of the plant, is will improve the soil and add nutrients to the vines.

After that, the next step is training the grapevines on a trellis. You can move the grapevines to the direction which you want them to grow, often done in the first season. This way, it is easier to maintain, pruning will also help you to train your grapevines on trellis.

Pruning is important as it will divert the energy from the roots and vines into the fruits making the fruits bigger and plenty. There are many rules when it comes to pruning, make sure you read related books and others about this method because this is crucial in growing healthy grapevines.

You should also protect your grape plants from pests which includes mildews, fungus, insects and birds. You can protect your grapes from the birds by putting net when it gets close to harvest time. Sunny locations can prevent the powdery mildew and fungus from attacking your grapevines. Consult also your local nursery on how to prevent or cure these pests.

Lastly, harvest your grapes when the bottom and middle of the cluster are ripe. You can determine of the ripeness of the fruit by its taste and color but there are also testing kits available that will check the sugar level s and pH. When picking grapes, trim the cluster off with shears which minimize damage. You should also check the bunch and disregard the rotten and unripe fruit.

It is not easy to grow grapes because it requires money, time, patience and dedication, but in the end, it is a fulfilling and rewarding experience!

Learn how to grow grapes today!

For additional information, you can also check Grape Vine Growing and Common Varieties of White Grapes and Wine Grapes.

Learn How to Grow Grapes Today!