Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Preparing for Planting
• Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Planting grapes
• Tips

Grapes are a versatile berry that is used for wine, baked goods, jams and for fresh consumption. With the ability to grow in many locations around the world, grapes are a great addition to any garden.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Preparing for Planting

1. 1 Choose a grape variety. As with any plant, there are grape varieties that grow best in different areas and represent different tastes and types.There are three main types of grapes: American, European and Muscat.
   • Each type of grape has several varieties to choose from, which differ in flavor, color, texture and size. Visit your local nursery to find the one that suits your needs and the environment.
   • Choose annuals that look healthy and strong. If possible, obtain a plant health certificate to ensure that they will continue to grow.
   • Look for plants that have an even distribution of roots and whose stems are symmetrical.
2. 2 Prepare your own cuttings. If you or a friend have grapes that you would like to plant, you can take a cutting and plant in a new location. To use your own cuttings: Cut from a recently cut vine or bush. Make sure each cut has three buds. The bottom cut must be made at an angle. The upper cut should be at an angle of 45º and 1-3 cm above the kidney.
   • Plant as many cuttings in different places as possible - you will have a better chance of success. Excess plants can be thrown away or given away.
3. 3 Choose a suitable location. A grape is a plant that can live from 50 to 100 years. So make sure the location you choose is constant and there will be plenty of room for the grapes. The grapes grow best in sloping and hilly areas with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. If possible, plant the grapes on the south side of the slope, in an area free from other trees and large plants.
   • In colder areas, be sure to plant your grapes in a sunny location, preferably on the south side. Planting on the south side can protect against severe frost.
4. 4 Prepare the soil. Grapes are a bit picky about soil conditions, so make sure to pick a suitable soil before planting. Use a slightly hard or sandy soil with a pH level just above 7. Change the soil if necessary to improve drainage, because waterlogged roots do not promote healthy grape growth.
   • When preparing the soil for planting, check the pH level with a meter to determine if anything needs to be added or taken away.
   • This may sound unexpected, but grapes do not like soil that is too rich in nutrients. Do not overdo it with fertilizers and, if possible, ask for recommendations from a local nursery worker.
5. 5 Prepare a trellis for the grapes. The grape is a climbing plant that grows upward along the supporting structure. If you are not planting grapes along a fence or building, make or buy a trellis for it. Typically, it is a wooden structure of interlocking planks that allows the vine to wrap around, providing strong support.
   • If there is no money or opportunity to purchase a trellis, then you can buy a trellis tree and wire, attach it to the posts and you will get an easy homemade trellis.
   • Do not use single stakes (as for tomatoes) as they will not provide sufficient support for growing grapes.
6. 6 Find out when to plant. Wait until a frost-free day in late winter or early spring with planting grapes. In subsequent years, pruning should be done around the same time.

Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Planting grapes

1. 1 Plant grapes. Depending on the variety you are planting, the spacing between plants will differ. Plant American and European grapes 1.80 - 3.00 m apart. Muscat grapes require much more space and should be planted 4.80 m apart. Plant the cutting in the hole so that the main bud is covered. The top kidney should be just above ground level. Tamp the soil well around the planted cuttings.
   • How deep you plant your grapes depends on the age and size of each plant.Do not cover the stem of the grapes above the first bud, but at the same time, make sure that the roots are completely covered with soil.
2. 2 Water the plants well. Grapes do not like excess water, so after the first watering, reduce the amount of water to a minimum. Water nearby roots so that most of the water is absorbed rather than evaporating in the sun. If your area does not have a lot of rainfall, then make an irrigation system near the roots so that the grapes receive a small amount of water on a regular basis.
3. 3 Prune the grapes. In the first year, do not let the fruits ripen, as they can damage the young vine with their weight. Cut off all fruits, as well as small vines, except for the strongest branch that grows from the stem. In subsequent years, prune as needed in accordance with established local practice. In older bushes, be sure to prune about 90% of the branches.
4. 4 Prune the grapes when they are dormant. Always, always prune the grapes when they sleep. Otherwise, it will drain and lose its strength. This is usually done at the end of winter, when there is no longer any frost.
5. 5 Start pest control if necessary. Since the grapes are hardy, little pest control is required. Protect the grapes from weeds with regular weeding, and cover the grapes with a net if necessary to keep the birds out. Check with your local gardening club for advice on how to deal with grape moths. It is one of the few pests that can kill grapes.
   • Make sure planted grapes get enough air to prevent powdery mildew.
   • Aphids can be a problem; ladybugs are a natural aphid exterminator and will not damage grapes.
6. 6 Harvest the grapes. Strong, edible fruits are unlikely to emerge for 1-3 years. When they appear, check their ripeness by selecting several grapes from different branches and tasting them. If the grapes are sweet, start picking because they are ready to be harvested and consumed.
   • Once harvested, the grapes will not continue to ripen (as with other fruits), so make sure not to pick them prematurely.
   • Color and size are not necessarily a good indicator of ripeness. Only pick fruit after making sure it's done.

Tips

• Popular grape varieties include:
  • Merlot
  • Sira (or Shiraz)
  • Chenin Blanc
• If you have any questions, you can seek advice from an employee of your local nursery.
• The grape varieties that are eaten fresh include:
  • Seedless Thomson
  • Red flame
  • Concorde