Grape Planting Tips

The grape planting and growing process is a vital step in the wine making process. This process combined with the quality of the grapes ultimately determines the quality of the wine we drink. Before you plant your grapes you must consider site selection, or the location you plant.

Many varieties of grapes will only grow in the correct geographic location, where weather conditions and the type of soil are ideal. So, the region or location that the grape vines are planted is very important and obviously a decision that you need to get correct the first time. Lots of sunlight is important for grapes, the sunlight ensures the process of photosynthesis takes place, which in turn creates sugars in the grapes that can be converted to alcohol.

The long-term health of the vine will require the proper type of soil and a gentle slope. The soil type needs to drain well to ensure the grape vines do not sit in standing water. You generally want soil with the proper nutrients although you can aid vine nutrition with the use of compost and fertilizers.

Grape vines should be planted 6 ft. apart in rows that are 8 ft. wide. It is best that both sides of the vines get a good sunlight. Dig a hole twice as large as the base of the vine, which will provide loose soil and good drainage. You will want to provide a sturdy trellis for the grape vines to grown on so they have a chance to grow properly.

With proper grape planting and care you can expect that each grapevine will produce about one gallon of wine.

Proper vine care requires that you cut any shoots that grow from the roots. During the vines dormancy period you will need to prune your vine back to prepare it for the next growing season. In spring, select the strongest shoots and fasten them to the trellis. This will protect them and allow them to grow properly.

The process of grape planting is not one that is undertaken lightly, and involves much more than described by this short article. The process of growing grapes takes years and years, but when you're finally poor that first glass of wine for yourself the reward will be more than worth the effort.