Grapevines are a total classic for home gardeners, and for good reason! Not only do they look beautiful, but the grapes themselves are delicious and super versatile. To make sure your vine thrives and serves up a great harvest, there are a few “insider tips” you should keep in mind when getting started.
Ways to Grow Your Grapevines
You’ve got options when it comes to where you plant. You can go the traditional route and:
- Plant your grapevine directly in the garden soil.
- Or grow it in a large pot or container if you’re working with a patio or balcony.
Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot
No matter where you plant it, location is everything. Grapes are sun-worshippers! They love a warm, sunny spot to soak up those rays. While they can handle a bit of partial shade, you’ll want to avoid full shade if you want healthy fruit.
Give Them Room to Breathe
Grapevines are fast growers and love to spread out—both up and out! If you’re planting in the garden, make sure you plan for that growth. A single vine needs a footprint of about 12 by 12 inches. However, if you’re dreaming of a lush arbor or a row of trellises, space your plants about three feet apart. Also, keep the vine about a foot away from any walls or the side of your house to allow for airflow.
The Best Soil for Your Vines
The great news is that grapevines aren’t too picky and will grow in almost any soil. That said, they really thrive in loose, nutrient-rich dirt. If you’re a planner, prep your soil in the fall by mixing in some mature compost. This gives your vine a “nutrient buffet” to start with in the spring!
Choosing the Right Pot
If you’re going the container route, the pot you choose matters. You’ll need a decent-sized container, but the most important thing is drainage. Grapes hate “wet feet,” so make sure your pot has plenty of holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
When to Get Planting
Technically, you can plant grapevines year-round as long as the ground isn’t frozen and the weather is mild. However, the sweet spot for planting is usually between early April and mid-May. This gives the plant plenty of time to settle in before the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Don’t Forget the Support
Grapevines are natural climbers (they’re actually part of the liana family!), so they need a sturdy trellis or support system to grow upward. This gives the shoots something to grab onto as they spread out. You can use a free-standing trellis or one mounted to a wall, depending on your garden layout.
Caring for Your Young Vines
During that first year, your new grapevine needs a little extra love. Make sure to water it regularly. Instead of a light sprinkle every day, try a deep soak every two to three days—this encourages the roots to grow deep. It’s also a good idea to give your young vines a boost with some liquid fertilizer every now and then.
One last tip: young vines are pretty sensitive to the cold. To prevent frost damage, keep them cozy during chilly snaps with some garden fleece, burlap sacks, and a nice thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
