Five Rules for Growing Your Own Grapes

So you want to learn how to grow a grape vine properly. Having the right foundation is probably the most essential thing you need to know to succeed in grape growing, and your soil is the cornerstone of that foundation. Here are a couple of steps on how to get the right soil for growing your own grapes healthily.



Have the soil tested



Your grape vines need only a small amount of nutrients to thrive, so they do well in soil that is highly organic and low in nutrient content. Soil that has too much nutrients is usually not compatible with grape growing, while soil that has too little nutrients may have to have additional minerals added in. Consult a professional if the latter is the case, to ensure the additives will be correct. The right adjustments must be made to avoid problems like excessive foliage growth and low grape yield. Your soil’s pH level is another thing you need to find out. Grapes do best in slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it also needs to be corrected.



Ensure the right amount of water



Your soil must have good drainage to ensure your grape vines absorb just enough water to grow properly and not become vegetative, which means the grape vines will only produce leaves and not bear fruit. This is why many established grape growers plant their grape vines on a slope or hillside to ensure excellent drainage. Another thing you need to take note of is what your soil is based on. If it is clay-based, which absorbs and retains water more, then it needs to be watered less often. If it’s sandy soil, water must be added more often.



Have ample anchorage for the roots



Thirty to forty inches of loose soil is needed for your grape vine’s root system to grow and expand and have good anchorage to support the large plant. Plant your vines around six to eight feet apart to ensure enough space for the roots to grow.



Know the right time to add fertilizer



Typically after the first harvest, the soil’s nutrients become depleted and you need to add fertilizer in. This is known as "post-harvest fertilization." Manure is a good choice of fertilizer because it’s highly organic and has a good amount of usable nitrogen for the plants.



Ensure good sunlight exposure



Your soil must also be exposed to a healthy amount of sunlight, so make sure no structure or shade is hindering the sunlight from reaching your grape vine’s soil.



Always remember, growing your own grapes successfully really depends on having a good foundation. And the best foundation for your grapes is having the right soil.



To learn more on how to be successful in growing your own grapes, visit www.AllAboutGrapeGrowing.com.