If you want a grapevine that’s vibrant, healthy, and loaded with fruit, picking the perfect sunny spot is only half the battle. You’ve also got to stay on top of its “food and drink” needs! Watering grapes is a bit of an art form, and there are a few specific tricks you should know to get it right.
Younger Plants are Thirstier
The age of your vine plays a huge role in how much water it needs. Right after planting, your young grapevine needs consistent moisture to get established. For those little ones, stick to this routine:
- Water every two to three days.
- Give them a deep, thorough soak.
- Don’t skip it just because it’s drizzling—even in damp weather, young vines need that extra drink.
The “Golden Rule” for Young Vines
Wondering exactly how much water to use? Here’s a great rule of thumb: aim for about 2.5 gallons (10 liters) of water per week for each young plant. This is the “sweet spot” that keeps the plant hydrated while encouraging those roots to start stretching out.
Water Deeply, Not Daily
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is watering a little bit every single day. If the surface is always wet, the vine gets “lazy” and keeps its roots near the top of the soil. By watering every two or three days—but doing it very deeply—you train the roots to grow deep into the earth to find moisture. This makes your vine much tougher and better equipped to handle a long, hot summer drought.
Established Vines are Low Maintenance
The good news? Once your grapevine is about two years old, you can usually put the watering can away. At this stage, natural rainfall is typically enough. Mature vines are surprisingly hardy and can easily handle two or three weeks without rain without breaking a sweat.
Container Gardening on Porches and Patios
If you’re growing your grapes in containers on a balcony or patio, the rules change a bit. Because roof overhangs or awnings often block the rain, these plants don’t get much help from Mother Nature. You’ll need to keep watering these regularly, even when the weather seems damp outside.
Pro Tip: Mix in Some Liquid Fertilizer
When it’s time to feed your vines, I recommend using a liquid fertilizer. Just mix it right into your watering can! This ensures the nutrients soak deep into the soil and get delivered exactly where they’re needed: straight to the roots.
