subject: Grapes for Growing - Buy Grapes For Your Home Use [print this page] Grapes for Growing - Buy Grapes For Your Home Use
Do you want to plant some fruits for your family's consumption, or use them as a profitable source of income? Do you want a challenge that will test your planting skills and determination? Buy some grapes for growing in your nearest nursery and dare to grow them until harvest time.
You cannot just buy any grape and expect to be happy. Choosing the right grape takes careful thinking. The first thing you must think of is how you will use the grapes afterwards. Are you making juices and jellies out of the plant, storing it for wine, or just eating the fruits directly? Not all grape types are suited for eating as well as making wine. The next thing you must think of is the condition of your land. Now this is important; you need strong and direct sunlight for optimum exposure. You must also have a drainage system that works or preferably a slanted planting area. And you must be sure to that your weather fits the variety of grape you choose. The last thing that you must think of is how soon the seasons change and how cold or warm it is. Not all grapes are suited for extremely hot or cold temperatures. Ask the man at the nursery and he will give you exactly what you need.
After buying, then it is time to plant your grapes for growing. Dig holes eight to ten feet away from each other to allow plenty of root area. Use poles with the grape vines to act as the framework. Then water as often as possible during the first month to let the plant agree with the soil.
Put trellises in the area, either made with wires, strings, or poles. These will act as a supporting fence for the grape vine's branches. Train the grape vine to grow upward as soon as the tip reaches over the trellis. It will take weeks for the grape vines to grow accordingly, but they will grow on their own when they are ready. In every winter to come, prune 90% of the grape vines to establish healthy growth for the next season.
Wait for two to three years until harvest time. Don't pluck the grapes while they are greenish, they will not ripen even it you put them in the sun. Wait until they turn red, and then wait a few more weeks. Test their sweetness using your taste buds or your sweetness tester equipment. When the fruits are ripe, pluck them to harvest. Growing your very own grapes can be a very rewarding hobby.
