Growing Grapes

Grapes are the most widely grown fruit in the world and unlike most fruit crops, many grapes are native to North America. The wild grapes found by early settlers were quickly rejected because they were high in acid, low in sugar and uniquely flavored.

Grapes differ greatly in their tolerance to disease and insect pests and to cold winter temperatures. With proper care, grapevines can be grown in most locations in Southern Canada, primarily Southern Ontario and the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, and the US, although getting fruit on those vines is often challenging.

Site selection - Grapes need full sunlight and high temperatures to ripen, so plant on southern slopes, the south side of windbreaks, or the south sides of buildings. Avoid northern slopes and low ground since these will be cooler throughout the growing season, delaying ripening of the fruit. Choose deep, well-drained soils to avoid standing water in the spring and encourage early growth. There are four factors to consider when planning where to grow your grapes.

• Soil drainage...Grapes do not like wet feet, so avoid sites where the soil is heavy or water sits for any amount of time.
  
• Air movement...Good air circulation will reduce disease problems.
  
• Frost packets...Avoid frost pockets, plant grapes in an area where they will not be exposed to late spring frosts or early fall ones.
  
• Sun exposure...Grapes should be planted in a location that receives full sun.

Soil preparation - Since this will be the permanent home for the grape it is important to properly prepare the soil before planting. Grapes like a moderately acid soil (pH 5.5-6.0), so liming is not generally required, unless your soil is very acidic. Grapes are not heavy feeders, but working some compost into the soil should help them get a good start.

Planting - Plant in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Use healthy plants with well-developed root systems. Space the plants six to eight ft. (2 to 2.5 m) apart. Before planting the vine, remove all canes except the most vigorous one. Trim off any broken or excessively long roots.

Space grapes 8 ft. (2.5 m) apart in rows 10-12 ft. (2.5 to 3 m) apart. The soil should be lightly packed around the plant and well watered until the grape begins to grow. They can be fertilized 3-4 weeks after they are planted with a balanced fertilizer.

Dig a hole large enough so you can spread the root system out without bending the roots. Plant vines at the same depth as in the nursery. Do not plant too deeply. Spread the roots and cover them completely with soil. After planting, shorten the remaining cane to two strong buds. Each bud will develop into a cane.

Fertilizing - Fertilization is generally not necessary for grapes. Fertile soils contain adequate supplies of essential plant nutrients. Fertilization may actually be harmful. Too much nitrogen may promote excessive vegetative growth and delay vine and fruit maturity. Fertilize grapevines only when plants exhibit weak growth or poor leaf color.

If necessary, apply a complete, low analysis fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in the spring. Do not fertilize grapevines in late spring or summer. Late spring or summer fertilization encourages succulent, late season growth, which is more susceptible to winter damage.

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