Where to Plant Grapes
Grapes can grow in most soil but thrive in rich sandy loams or clay loams. They prefer full sunlight and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5. If you don’t have a spot with full sun, choose a site with morning sun, loose well-drained soil, and good air circulation to help prevent disease.
When to Plant Grapes
Grapevines should be planted in early spring after the last hard freeze. In the first year, your goal is to establish a strong root system and to let the vine grow up to establish a strong vertical trunk. The grapevines are then pruned in the late winter when the plants are dormant. With the proper pruning, your grapevines will produce fruit within 1-2 years.
How to Plant Grapes
Grapevines require support like a trellis, Fence or an arbor in place when they are planted.
To plant dormant, bare-root grapevines:
-
Soak the roots in water for 2 or 3 hours before planting
-
Space the vines 6-20 feet apart, depending on the type of grape
-
Dig a planting hole 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide
-
Fill the hole with 4 inches of topsoil
-
Set the vine in the hole with the top most roots at the soil line
-
Cover the roots with 6 inches of soil and tamp that down
-
Fill in the remaining soil but leave this soil loose
-
Water the vines when you plant them
-
DO NOT fertilize the vines in the first year of growth.
-
Use mulch to keep an even amount of moisture around the vines and water twice a week for light soil and once a week for clay soil.
To plant grapes from a container:
-
Space the vines 6-20 feet apart, depending on the type of grape
-
Dig a hole for each vine about 3 times as wide as the root ball
-
Dig the hole as deep as the root ball of your grapevine
-
Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball
-
Place the plant in the planting hole
-
Make sure the plant is at a position with the top most roots at the soil line
-
Replace the soil and gently pack down the dirt
-
Water the grapevines thoroughly
-
DO NOT fertilize the vines in the first year of growth
- Use mulch to keep an even amount of moisture around the vines and water twice a week for light soil and once a week for clay soil.