Planting Grape Vines

Selecting Grape Vines

One of the most important things you can do when making the decision to plant grape vines is to be aware of your hardiness zone. Selecting vines that aren’t hardy in your particular zone will most likely end in disaster. To find your growing zone, visit the USDA Hardiness Zone Map and enter your zip code. The resulting zone number will assist you in selecting the best grape vines for your area.

Grape Varieties

Once you’ve determined your zone you can start the fun part of planting grape vines- selecting which varieties you’d like to plant. What you plan to do with your grapes will determine which variety you will plant.

The following is a sampling of the different varieties and what you can do with these types of grapes:

• Concord- these familiar blue grapes are probably the most versatile vines you can grow in zones 5 through 8. They can be used for jelly, liqueur or wines and come in two varieties- seeded and seedless.
• Frontenac- a great winter-hardy grape that can be grown in zones 3 through 7. Used primarily for wine making.
• Golden Muscat- produces large clusters of golden colored grapes perfect for eating. These are perfect for gardens in zones 5 through 8.
• Marquis Seedless- a green seedless grape perfect for everything, from raisins to wine. Does best in zones 5 through 8.
• Chardonel- an amber grape that is perfect for winemaking. Grows in zone 5-8.

Where to Buy Vines

If your local gardening center doesn’t sell grape vines, don’t despair. There are plenty of vine growers that will happily sell you vines from their selection. Many of these garden centers are pleased to offer friendly advice via online chats or on the phone to make sure you get the right vines for your hardiness zone. Individual grape vines can usually be purchased for fewer than ten dollars each.

The following online gardening centers sell vines for your budding vineyard:

• Miller Nurseries
• Stark Brothers
• Great Garden Plants
• Henry Field’s Seed and Nursery
• Michigan Bulb Company

Planting Grape Vines

Where you choose to plant your grape vines will make all the difference in whether they grow beautifully or simply die in the ground. The following guidelines will help you plant your grape vines successfully on your property.

Decide Where to Plant

When deciding where to plant your vines, choose an area that has plenty of sunlight for at least half of the day and a place where you can train the vines. You can choose to train them along an existing fence line, on a trellis or you may build an arboretum that they can climb as they grow.

Prepare the Ground

The ground where you plan to plant your grapes must be aerated and in an area where water never accumulates. Grapes hate to have their feet wet, so be sure proper drainage exists where you plan to grow them. If you plant them where there is too much water, even for part of the growing season, they will eventually succumb to root rot and die.

Break up the soil well; it should be free of large clumps. Add a little sand and peat moss if you have a lot of clay in your soil. The pH for the soil should be between 6 and 7.

Digging the Hole

Planting grape vines is a lot like planting tree seedlings. You must prepare a hole that is large enough for the existing root growth on the vine. For some two or three year old seedlings, this may mean digging a hole that is a foot or more wide. Carefully turn the earth and create a comfortable place for the roots to stretch out; don’t crowd the roots or try to cram them into the hole you have dug.

Planting the Vine

Carefully place the grape vine in the hole you have dug. You may need to replace some of the dirt you have dug and mound it up underneath the center of the vine for good support. Cover the vine roots with at least an inch or two of dirt. No roots should be sticking up out of the earth.

Water Generously

After you have planted your grape vines, water them generously, but don’t drown them. If you live in a particularly dry climate, watering them every day until they are established is essential. If young vines are allowed to dry out completely, they probably won’t make it until the next growing season. Water them in the early morning or late in the evening for the most lasting effect.

Conclusion

Growing grape vines is a fun and fascinating hobby. If you choose plants that are hardy in your zone and you plant them in well drained areas you are likely to find success with this versatile landscaping plant. However, if at first you don’t succeed, don’t be afraid to try again. Occasionally grape vines will die in the winter, especially if you live in the northern United States or Canada. Luckily there are many cold-hardy varieties being developed each year, so experiment until you find the perfect vines for your area. The end result is guaranteed to be delicious, no matter how you prepare your grapes..