Learn How to Grow Grapes

Let's face it, not all locales were created equal, and some places around the world have naturally more capable soils and climates for growing grapes. You want to know how to grow grapes that will survive, of course, so you can't always choose your favorite type of grape. You may love concord grapes, but unless you reside in the east it will be more difficult to grow them. Just the same, the Californian native Thompson Seedless grapes would be hard pressed to grow as big and round and juicy in midland states that get little rain or colder coastal states such as you find in the north.

A complete run down on the best way to selecting a grape that will thrive and keeping it thriving throughout your grape growing can be found at My Grape Vine: The Art of Growing Grapes. But for now, just keep a few things in mind when you're learning how to grow grapes that are good for your location:

1. Select the type of grape you're going after- if you're a home gardener, then you'd probably be working with slipskin or table grapes.

2. Ask around in your "neck of the woods" for what type of grapes do best. It can never hurt to get to know other grape growers, or, at the least, the nursery professional nearest to your location.

3. Take note of the surroundings of your garden. If a home garden, what other types of plants are nearby? Also make sure you have a trellis or other support for vines when you start your planting.

4. Experiment a little. If you're in love with a particular type of grape, then it can't hurt to see what will come of trying it out. Try growing a few different varieties if you have the space.

So now you've found a variety that grows well with your location, and maybe even a few that you want to experiment with. Now let's get planting:

1. Plant full grapes from your selected variety's nursery stock, or the vine cuttings, in a location with full sun. Grapes that are slightly shaded even carry a greater risk of getting a fungus.

2. Amend the soil in your chosen location; make it nice and loose for a depth of up to 24-36 inches. Grapes are deep rooted and work better to grow with this type of soil.

3. Make sure you have a trellis or other support frame for the vines to trail around- grounded grapes carry a higher risk of rotting and those trellises are so darn pretty!

4. You're almost done! Now all you have to do is prune your grapes and manage the well over their winter's dormancy. Well heck, I guess you are technically done with the growing phase!

These steps need to be followed year after year. To get the most from your grape growing, though you may want to try checking out: