Concord

Learning Download: How to Grow Grapes

Gardeners don’t have to live in a vineyard to grow grapes, as grapes can grow in nearly any region throughout the United States.

Before Planting: Prior to planting, soak the roots in water for two to three hours.

Planting: Grapes should be planted in the early spring, when they are dormant. Space roots 6 to 10 feet apart and plant them 12 inches deep. Cover the roots with 6 inches of soil and firmly tamp it down. Fill the remaining space with 6 inches of soil that is loosely settled and not tamped down.

Watering: Wait until the soils is totally dry before watering and allow to dry thoroughly before you water again. Plants need less water in the winter.

Fertilizer: Grapes don’t require fertilizer in their first year, but in the second year, feed grapes lightly with a nitrogen fertilizer.

Days to Maturity: Grapes are ripe in the late summer or early fall when they are rich in color, easily crushed but not shriveled, plump and juicy.

Harvesting: To harvest, snip clusters of ripe grapes from the vine. Grapes should be tightly attached to their stem. Pick the grapes on a sunny day, which is when they will have the highest sugar content.

Tips: Some type of support, like a trellis, is needed to grow grapes. To keep birds and other animals away, arrange mesh netting over the vines.