Easy and Safe Grapevine Pruning

If you're wondering about the title, don't worry, there's no hidden message. It means just what you would think- DON'T go pruning grapevines until a year has passed. Grapevine pruning in the first year will affect the development of the grapevine itself for the rest of its natural existence. Your grapevine needs time to develop a strong root and leaves system.

Naturally this only goes for when the grapevine is active in the first year. During winter of the first year you've had your grapevine growing is when you start pruning.

When you start, grab the strongest and most vigorous looking stem, then, using bypass pruners (pictured) slice off other stems as close to the trunk as possible (at the base of the plant, if possible).

From there secure your strong vine along a fence or some other structure with wire and a grape stake.

Now you've made it through your first winter and have learned a little about effective grapevine pruning. The second year is where you'll start to see some changes in your grapevine growth! Last year, you should've allowed stems to grow from the main trunk, so now remove all but the two best growths from the trunk. You can also adjust the way the grapevine branches by pinching it to the side you want it to.

During midsummer of this year, cut back the top of the trunk when your vines reach a desired height; this will force new growth along the main trunk. Remove new branches that don't fit with how you want your grapevine.

Okay, you had great grapevines before but after some grapevine pruning you have them arranged pretty much how you want them. During the second winter you should've cut back all desired side branches and the main trunk to leave you with a basic frame for a grape plant- a main trunk and two side branches.

Now just let it grow, grow, grow! Prune it a little to keep the main shape, but much of the grapevine pruning from here on out is simple and routine. Leave 12 buds along each of the arms during the third winter.This is the most important part of fruit production, these 12 are going to make fruit for the 4th summer. These buds should have a few leaf joints.

Now just prune these buds every winter from now onwards, this will make the bud grow one more length every year and produce more fruit.

Grapevine pruning isn't hard, though it does take a lot of time to grow that perfect beautiful grape garden, but then again, there are ways to shorten the time and grow greater grapes. You can learn about some of them at: