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Grape Growers Guide
The proper planting of grape vines is something that even the backyard grape grower will need to know. Preparing the soil, trellis, and location is as important, if not more important than what you do after the vines are planted. If you don’t do the correct preparation, then your grapes are sure to suffer.
Some things you need to consider while evaluating your location
- Do you get proper rainfall? If not can you irrigate as needed manually or with an automatic system.
- Is it really cold and do you get a bunch of snow?
- Is flooding a common problem?
- What kind of soil do you have?
- Is it really windy and if so can you do something to break some of that wind?
Digging further let’s talk about some of these things to make your grape vines grow bigger, healthier grapes.
Soil is very important as it provides the nutrients your vines will need to produce your grapes. The ideal growing conditions for your soil would be thin on topsoil which would allow good water retention and also allow ample drainage. Ideally your soil will be a couple feet deep with no obstructions such as rock. I know some areas this is not possible so you just try to find the best area to meet these needs as well as possible. A sticky soil is good because it means it most likely has a lot of clay which will help it hold water.
Try not to plant on very steep slopes
You deal with not only soil erosion but also earlier or later growing grapes, it’s also a consideration if you plan to take machinery up and down. Slopes facing the south usually have early growth, and face injury risks due to frost. Slopes facing northward are usually cooler which will delay the growth, but helps to avoid frost injury.
Avoiding frost can also be avoided if you plant on a slope of around 3 percent. This is because there is downward movement of cooler air, while the warmer air moves up. The colder air is trapped in the lower lying areas, and if you grown down low like this you face an increased frost damage risk.
Make sure you have proper irrigation
You should make sure you can either manually water your grape vines or have an automated irrigation system if possible. If you have really dry spells during the planting season an automatic irrigation system will make your life much easier, but as long as you can get water on the vines then it will suffice. Full grown grape vines will require more water than budding vines, and you need to insure enough water to guarantee a proper ripening process. Water is very important during the budding process as well so be sure to provide ample water.