How to Care for a Grape Vine

Grapes are a popular fruit. No matter where you live, chances are there is a type of grape that will thrive near you. Each different type of grape has to be maintained in its own manner, but they all have some basic requirements. It is relatively easy to care for a grapevine.

Things You'll Need

• Support structure
• Additional nutrients
• Kiffen system

Instructions

How to Care for a Grape Vine

1. A grapevine is a plant, and like any other plant, it requires a certain amount of sunlight, the right soil conditions and some additional nutrients. This will vary depending on what variety of grapes you have. Most grapes need full sunlight and high temperatures to produce fruit. They also prefer well-drained soil. Use only nitrogen fertilizer unless a soil analysis suggests you need to add phosphorus or potassium.

2. Grapevines need a support structure, and you will have to train them to stay on that structure. These are vines, and they will grow along just about anything. There are several systems used for training grapes, but the most popular are the four-arm and six-arm Kiffen systems. In these systems, a cane (the grapevine’s stem) is tied to a stake and, as it grows, is tied to attached wires.

3. Pruning a grapevine is essential both for training the vine and for producing fruit. Fruit is made only on new growth. New growth stems from old wood. You have to prune the vine back so new growth appears. This means cutting back everything except the strongest stem. Grapes should be pruned when they are dormant (when there are no leaves). This is usually during late winter or early spring.

4. Birds are the most common nuisance for grape growers, and the only way to keep them away is to cover the vines with netting. Grapes are sensitive to many pesticides, especially those used in standard lawn care. Whenever possible, avoid using lawn pesticides and herbicides near grapevines.

Tips & Warnings

• Grapes are a popular fruit that are easy to grow. When you take a few basic steps to care for a grapevine, you will have a plant that will produce fruit with relative ease.