How To Grow Grape Vines

Growing a grape vine can have a lot of benefits. Fresh grape berries can be made into juices,jellies, or fermented into wines. In addition, grape vines also provide a shaded area and a pleasant addition to your landscape. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but growing a grapevine need not be so difficult. The following are the basics on how to grow vines:


Photo: roblisameehan

Planting- The area where the vine will be planted is a major consideration in growing a grape vine.Grapes need heat so they should be planted in an area where they can get more sun. Grapes can grow in most soil types except for wet heavy clay. Growers just have to make sure that the growing area has good irrigation. Maintaining the pH level of the soil is important. Grapes grow in soils with pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5. Good seeds and tips on how to grow grape vines can be purchased from a trusted nursery.


Care- Growing a grape vine will need your utmost attention. Healthy roots need water at least once a week for proper growth. A 5 gallon bucket should be handy and the grape vines should be watered at least once every week. Grape clusters should be picked out. The plant should not be made to grow fruit for the first year as this is the period allotted for it to grow its roots. A "grow tube" can be used to guide in growing your grape vine and at the same time protect it from wind and animals but should be removed after the first growing season to make possible for the vines to grow thicker.

Controlling pests- Pests are the grape vine's worst enemies. The growth of the vines and it's produce can be hampered by invading insects. Wasps attack the berries by breaking the skin and eating the flesh. Making "wasp traps" can keep them away from the fruit. Another good way to keep wasps and other insects away is to plant a rose bush close to the vines.

Pruning- Fruit-bearing vines, like grapes, need to be pruned. Those who do not actually know how to grow grape vines may not believe in pruning as it only adds extra work. Gettng the grape vine to the shape and size you want will involve pruning. In addition it also controls the fruit bearing of the vine. If left unpruned for the first growing season it could bear abundant yields but would produce very little in the succeeding growing seasons.

Weather Conditions- Some people are hesitant because they do not know how to grow grape vines in varying weather conditions. Typically, grapes don't need much protection from the heat and sun. But they would need protection from snow during winter. A snow cover is a much used protection. But some growers also use make-shift insulators. Straw or hay layered on the ground will provide good insulation for the roots.
The best thing to do if you are unsure of how to grow grape vines would be to consult experts or purchase some books on the subject. These provide a more in depth explanation on growing a grape vine and other relevant information.

About the Author
You can have strong healthy grape vines by following Vito Vittone's tips, which can be found:

Posted in: Grape Vines