Content

• Steps
• Advice

Grapes are a fruit that can be used for a variety of purposes such as wine making, baking, raisins and fresh fruit. Because it can be grown in many parts of the earth, grapes are a great addition to any garden.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preparing to plant

1. 

   Choose a grape variety. As with any plant, there are different grapes that do well in different regions, giving different flavors and shapes. There are three main varieties of grapes: the American grape, the European grape and the Muscadine grape. American grapes grow best in warm and sunny climates like central California. European grapes are common in Europe and the northern regions of the United States, and Muscadine grapes are commonly found in the southern United States.
   • Each major grape variety has many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor, color, texture and size.You can visit local nurseries to find the right grape variety for your needs and environment.
   • Choose a 1 year old vine that looks strong and strong. If possible, ask for a virus-free tree certificate to ensure that the tree continues to thrive.
   • Look for plants with well-developed roots and symmetrical branches.

2. 

   
   
   Prepare the branches. If there is another vine that you want to propagate, you can take the cuttings from the vine and plant them in a new location. To grow grapes from vine branches, cut segments directly from the branches or from the bushes just pruned. Make sure the tree is 3 eyes long (eyes look like lumps). The lower end of the tree should be cut diagonally about 45 degrees, at a distance of 0.6-2.4 cm above the eye.
   • When planting vine branches, you should plant as many branches and locations as possible to increase your chances of success. Excess tree segments can give.

3. 

   
   
   Choose the right location. Grapes are perennial plants that can live up to 50-100 years. You therefore need to ensure that the chosen location is a fixed place with plenty of room for the vines to grow. Grapes grow well in steep, sunny, and easy to drain areas. If possible, you should plant grapes on a steep south slope, on a clearing that is free of large tree species.
   • In cold regions, make sure to grow grapes in a sunny area, preferably south. The southern position can prevent the vine from freezing from frost. You should also avoid "frost bags" such as in low-lying areas or under steep foothills where frost can build up and damage crops.
   • If you live in the southern hemisphere, the northern hillside is sunny.

4. 

   
   
   Prepare the land. Grapes are very picky plants, so be sure to use the right soil. Use soil mixed with gravel or sand, with a pH above 7. Improve the soil for better drainage if necessary, as waterlogged roots cannot keep vines healthy and thriving.
   • For best results, you can take a soil sample and send it to the extension office for a comprehensive soil test. This testing is usually low-cost or free. If you can't, test the pH of your soil with a home test kit and add additional fertilizers to help adjust the pH if needed.
   • Although it sounds paradoxical, grapes do not like fertile soil. If possible, you should avoid growing grapes in soil that is highly fertilized, and follow the recommendations after getting soil test results or following the advice of experienced growers.

5. 

   Prepare a truss for the vine. Grapes are plants that grow high on a support platform. If you don't plant grapes along a fence or other structure, buy a trellis or make your own for the vines to climb. , providing a solid prop system.
   • You can buy a trellis fence made of wood or steel wire and attach it to the fence piles for a simple self-made truss if you cannot afford it or cannot buy or make a trellis like above.
   • Do not use individual stakes (like the stakes for a tomato plant) as it will not support the vines once they begin to grow.

6. 

   Know when to plant. Wait until there is no more frost in late winter or early spring. This is also a good time for pruning in the coming years. Contact an extension service for an exact seasonal calendar. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Growing a vine

1. 

   Plant a vine. Depending on the variety, each variety needs a different space. For American grapes and European grapes, each tree needs to be planted 1.8 - 3 m apart. Muscadine grapes require more space, each plant should be planted about 5 m apart. Plant vine branches in deep trenches, covering the base to the middle of the shoots. The tip of the shoot just barely protrudes from the ground. Press the soil tightly around the vines you just planted.
   • The depth of the branches depends on the age and size of each tree. Do not place the branches deeper than the buds, but make sure the roots are completely covered in the soil.

2. 

   Water just enough. Vines do not water much or heavy rain, so after the first watering, only minimum watering. Water closely to the base of the plant so that most of the water is absorbed by the roots without evaporation in the sun. If you are in a low rain area, install a drip irrigation system directly on the stumps so that the vine can receive small amounts of water steadily.

3. 

   Prune the vine. During the first year, you should not let the grapes grow fully, as the weight of these grapes can damage the young branches. Cut off all the grapes and the vines, leaving only the strongest branch growing from the stem. Pruning in the following years needs to follow the local seasonal calendar, each year about 90% of new branches growing from old vines are removed.

4. 

   Pruning grapes during hibernation. Always prune when the vine is hibernating. Otherwise, the branches will ooze and lose vitality. This is usually done in the late winter, when the weather is no longer cold and frost is generated outdoors.

5. 

   Place mulch around the base of the plant. Mulching around the base of the plant will help regulate the soil temperature, retain water, and limit weeds.

6. 

   Use a pest control if necessary. Once the vine is strong, you may need to use some pest control. Pull out weeds regularly and cover them with nets to protect the vines from birds if needed. Seek advice from gardening clubs or extension organizations on how to get rid of the caterpillars. Vine moth is one of the few pests and diseases that can wreak havoc on a vine.
   • Make sure to grow grapes in a well-ventilated area to prevent white fungus.
   • Aphids can be a problem with vines; Ladybugs are a natural enemy that kills aphids without harming grapes.

7. 

   Harvest the grapes at the right time. In the first 1-3 years, the vine will be less likely to produce healthy and edible fruit. When the tree starts to bear fruit, you can try it by picking a few fruits from different locations and taste it. If it feels sweet, start picking as the grapes are ready for you to harvest and enjoy.
   • Grapes won't ripen further after picking (unlike many other fruits), so make sure not to pick them while they're not yet ripe.
   • The color and size of the grapes are not necessarily a sign of ripe fruit. You only know for sure that the grapes are ripe after picking and tasting them.
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Advice

• If you have any questions about vine growth, you can consult your local extension organization.
• If the vine is 2-3 years old, it appears to be healthy but sour - there is certainly a reason for this. If the vine is allowed to grow freely, and it produces too many bunches of grapes, the result is that the plant cannot produce enough sugar to make its fruit sweet. Pruning ½ to 1/3 of the bunch will make the fruit sweeter.
• Some wines made with grapes include:
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Chenin Blanc
• Some of the most popular types of fruit grapes include:
  • Thompson seedless grapes
  • Red Flame red grapes
  • Concord grapes used as jelly