subject: Learning How to Grow Successful Grape Vines [print this page] Learning How to Grow Successful Grape Vines
In order to grow the best grape vines possible, the amount of space you have available will be important. This will tell you exactly what type of results to expect, and the necessary steps you need to take for them to grow properly. Look for a place that offers plenty of sunlight throughout the day (at least 6 to 8 hours). One thing to understand is this can be done all around the country, not just California.Individuals who live in the United States will benefit the most from Vitis labrusca grapes. These just seem to grow the best in American soil. Check the local nursery and online stores for places to purchase these particular vines. Once you have them it will be time to choose the location where you plan to plant your vines. Remember; tons of sunlight and airflow is going to be a big deal. We also recommend building or purchasing a trellis for support. You can take a couple poles (about 20ft. apart) and run wire mesh from each one. This allows the vines to grow on the mesh and in the proper direction.Airflow is important because without it your vines could develop diseases. So if you have a crowded backyard it's probably not the best choice. Plus, you want to have the right kind of soil as well. We recommend organic soils since they offer the proper nutrients your grape vines need.One thing some people do is try to make their backyard vineyard a little too big. This usually occurs because they aren't sure how big it should be, so they end up "GOING LARGE." Our recommendation is to start out small if you're not sure how to grow grapes and you're just experimenting. Just try to grow about a dozen of them. It will keep you from being overwhelmed by all the maintaining you will have to do. When you go to purchase your vines, head to the local nursery around the early spring. It's the best time to plant, and the nurseries offer bare-rooted grape vines. These are perfect for novice grape growers.You will find that planting the vines is simple, because all you do is dig a hole that covers the roots throughly. Place the roots in the hole and then placing soil around them will be perfect. You don't have to pack the soil, but instead just lightly pat. The roots will need adequate amounts of air, and if the soil is already moist you don't have to water them after they've been planted. Vines that get too much moisture will have to deal with flooding, which is never a good thing. Eventually you will begin to see life, and this is when the soil has to remain moist. When your vines grow longer and up your trellis, tie them to the wire mesh. It will provide your vines with the proper support needed for when the grapes come through.
