Pruning is a very important step in the maintenance of planting grapes
, especially during the dormant season. If a vine is pruned properly it will have one thick stem and two primary branches trained along the trellis. New shoots, or canes, will support the development of grape clusters each year. New shoots however, must be trimmed regularly to maintain the integrity of the grape vine growing structure. If you do not prune the vines, they will get tangled and the vine will not be able to get enough sunlight. Grape production will begin within the first two years of planting. By the third year after planting the vines, the grape clusters should be developing nicely on the young vines.
Allow the Grapes to Ripen Naturally
Grapes do best when fully ripened on the vine. To tell if the grapes are ready to harvest, you can taste for desired sweetness. For a precise result, test the specific gravity of the grapes with a hydrometer. You can purchase this instrument at your local stores specializing in wine making. A specific gravity of 1.1 indicates a fully ripened grape with sufficiently concentrated sugar for great wine.
Growing grape vines is a fun and fascinating hobby. Planting and harvesting will bring you much pleasure and joy. It takes patience and dedication to succeed in this. Great responsibility will lead you to a successful vineyard which produces high quality grapes and grape products. Just apply these helpful tips and you will be amazed how much they can change your grape growing experience in a positive way.