How to Grow Grapes: The Basics

If you are interested in learning how to grow grapes, there are a few decisions you must make at the outset. First, are you interested in grapes for eating or in grapes for wine? Although both these types of grapes grow in a similar manner, their specific requirements can vary in terms of planting times, soil requirements and more.

The best kind of soil to plant grapes in is fertile with good drainage. It is particularly important that your soil drains well - if it does not, your grapevine roots may rot. You also need to plant your vines in a sunny location, since this is critical to developing good fruit on the vines.

When you have decided what kind of grapes you will plant and have found a suitable location, you are ready to get ready to plant your grape vines. Grape vine cuttings are generally planted about six feet away from each other, and they will need a trellis to cling on to while growing. It is easiest to build the trellis before setting the plants in the ground, and you are less likely to damage the plants if you build it first as well.

When you are ready to plant the vines in the ground, you should dig holes that are a bit larger than the plant is so that the soil will be loose in the hold and the vine's roots can easily expand. After you have planted the vine, you should tie the strongest tendril of the vine to your trellis, using a soft material like string. Next, you should water your newly planted grape vines well, and keep them well watered (but not wet) as they start to grow.

This is just the bare basics of how to grow grapes. If you are serious about grape growing, I highly recommend you take a look at the Grape Growing System developed by Danie Wium, which can help you produce some amazing crops of grapes in almost any region that is suitable for grape growing.

Return to the How to Grow Grapes home page to read more articles about growing grapes for wine.