Grape growing can be a very satisfying hobby.
All you need to grow grapes is an area in your back yard that well drained and not so rich in nutrients.
The grape seems to do better in poor soil.
When planting the vines in a rich soil, the nutrients will go to growing more leave and non producing vines.
Whereas with poor soil, what nutrients are in the soil will go toward the production of fruit and more fruit bearing vines.
The best place to plant the vines is on the south side of a hill where there is plenty of air circulation and plenty of sunshine.
Never plant your vineyard in a shady area, because the grapes need plenty of sunlight in order for the fruit to ripen and be sweet and juicy.
The main part of grape growing is planting the right vine for the climate you are in.
Always check with the local Agriculture Agent to see what type of grapes is best for your area.
Another place you can get information about what type of grape to plant is a nearby Agriculture College, or a grape grower in your area.
You most likely will be able to find a vine that is suited for your area and climate.
Make sure that where ever you get your information that they know whether you are planting table grapes or wine grapes, it makes a big difference.
Table grapes are usually large grapes without seed and thin skins, where wine grapes are small, thick skinned and contain more sugar.
A very important part of grape growing is the trellis the grapes will climb on.
In the wild grape vine climb up trees, buildings and anything that will support them that they can climb.
But, you will need your vines low enough that you can pick the grapes when they are ripe.
The best trellis system is to cement post into the ground that is strong enough to hold the grapes up even in heavy wind and rain.
The post should be braced so they will not lean in any direction.
After the cement has set up around the post you can run two rows of stainless steel wire on the post for the vines to run on.
When the grape vine get long enough to reach the bottom wire you will need to train the vines to run the wire by loosely wrapping the vines around the wire.
As the vines grow they will wrap themselves tightly around the wire making a great support for the fruit.
In about three years when the vines begin to produce fruit you may need to add some fertilizer to the roots of the vines.
Make sure the fertilizer is needed by taking a soil sample.
You do not want the soil to be too rich or the plants will start producing more leave and vines that are not wanted instead of taking the nutrients from the soil and producing grapes.
Also remember you will need to keep the vines pruned for best results.
The main thing is to enjoy growing grapes.
Thank you, S.
S.
Barnett