subject: Growing Grapes with a Trellis -- Learning How to Tend Properly [print this page] Growing Grapes with a Trellis -- Learning How to Tend Properly
There are several different ways to grow grapes, and if you want to be successful it's important to learn as many as possible. One of the most popular options deals with using a trellis. Even though these can be the perfect choice they can also cause a few problems along the way. You can find them growing up trees, fences, and even walls at times. The idea of a trellis is to have interwoven pieces to help support the grape vines. These can be made out of bamboo, metal, or various woods.Some individuals go out and purchase a trellis from their local nursery, but others decide to build one themselves. Obviously vines have no type of support, so it's up to you to provide durable backing. Listen, if you don't feel creative or want to spend the time doing it, just purchase one. The individuals who build trellises will not really benefit anymore, except for self-accomplishment.However, understanding all the facts that surround grapes will be crucial to your success. This is especially true if you live in colder climates. In this case it's important to get a shorter trellis. Grape vines aren't going to grow as high as warmer areas, so a shorter one is utilized. The opposite applies to individuals living in warmer climates. The average trellis in warm areas is around eight feet, and about half that for cold parts of the country. Then all you have to do is setup your trellis a lot like you would a fence.Building or securing a trellis is the first step to growing grapes. Don't try to start your grape vine growing until this is done. If you begin early it will be a frustrating process. You will have to actually weave the vines in and out of the trellis. The distance between the poles should be about 20 feet. Some people will be running all the way around the yard, while others will simply have an isolated area. Whatever the case may be, the poles should be about 2 inches into the ground at the minimum. It doesn't matter what material you use the poles for as long as it's durable. A wire mesh will then be run from each post. Make sure the bottom of it is at least 3 inches above the ground. The recommend mesh has to be 12 gauge steel, but look for the galvanized options.Placing a trellis system on your property is great, but making sure it's in the perfect location is essential to your success. Plus, if you have tons of property it means you can produce all kinds of grape vines. Once you're able to get enough sun, air, and be able to control possible diseases with organic pesticides, the grapes will eventually surface.When they do start growing you will need to tie the vines to the trellis. If you don't the added weight from the grapes will cause them to grow in different directions. This can lead to a lack of grapes during harvest time, so make sure you tie them properly.
