Growing Grapes at Home
Do you want to have your own homemade grape jams, jellies, or even wines? It is a very nice and rewarding experience to see that your diligent work and sweat turn into something valuable and nutritious.
Personally growing fruit (or vegetables) is very healthy because you are aware of what has gone into the plants, what you are eating, and how clean and natural it is.
Growing grapes has now become a hobby that people enjoy.
Aside from the fruits, the grapevines and fruit produce an aesthetic effect for many gardens.
Thankfully, growing grapes at home isn't that difficult.
All you need is perseverance, time, and dedication in order to get them to grow.
Different varieties of grapes have their own characteristics.
The time it takes for them to grow varies.
This article will inform you about the basic things you need to know on growing grapes at home.
Climate Grapes cannot be grown in extreme climates.
Do not plant the vines during the winter season because the frost can cause grape problems.
They need an appropriate climate and require adequate sunlight and heat necessary for the ripening of the grape fruits.
Ideally, plant the grapevine during the season with a consistently warm climate.
Early spring is a highly recommended time for plating grapes.
Soil A well-drained soil rich in organic matter is essential because it provides nutrients for the plant.
Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal for grape growth.
Take note that the roots of grapevines tend to grow approximately three to six feet from the plant base.
Any other plant should be at least eight feet away from the grapevine.
Planting Moisture is required for grapevines.
Never allow the roots to dry up.
If necessary, soak them with water for a day.
It is very important not to leave them out in the open for more than a day because the vulnerable young grape vine might dry up.
Watering Water, water, and more water.
Grapevines require plenty of water.
Watering them during the first few months is very important.
As much as possible, water them at least twice daily.
This will cause the roots to settle and provide much needed water to the plants.
Plant care is also important when the plant grows old enough.
A good drainage is fundamental because if water is not properly drained, grape plant diseases can occur.
Fertilizing The leaves serve as a measuring instrument to determine whether your grape plant is receiving sufficient nutrients.
Dark green leaves are good indicators that the grapevines are healthy.
If their color starts to lighten, then it is time to add more organic matter into the soil.
Compost fertilizers are better choices against the chemical based fertilizers found in the market.
Place approximately 6 inches of compost into the soil.
This will provide the necessary nutrients to better the soil.
Trellis An organized trellis structure is necessary as the grapevines grow old.
It will be used by the plants as support.
The height of the trellis must be measured because the grapevines grow to various heights in different seasons.
Shorter ones will do during the winter season.
However, you will need larger and taller trellis' during summer.
Pruning Another important step is to prune the vines timely and properly.
Pruning would divert the nutrients from the grape roots and vines into its fruits.
Less and smaller fruits would be produced if pruning fails.
Grapevine buds are prone to damage during winter so you should prune these buds.
Harvesting This is the most rewarding part of the whole process.
This would literally be the 'fruits of your labor'.
There are testing materials available in the market that can check the sugar level and pH in the fruit to know whether the fruit is ripe.
However, if these are not available, sampling the fruits frequently is an option.
So take your time and indulge in the robust sweetness of your fruit harvest.
You deserve it!
Personally growing fruit (or vegetables) is very healthy because you are aware of what has gone into the plants, what you are eating, and how clean and natural it is.
Growing grapes has now become a hobby that people enjoy.
Aside from the fruits, the grapevines and fruit produce an aesthetic effect for many gardens.
Thankfully, growing grapes at home isn't that difficult.
All you need is perseverance, time, and dedication in order to get them to grow.
Different varieties of grapes have their own characteristics.
The time it takes for them to grow varies.
This article will inform you about the basic things you need to know on growing grapes at home.
Climate Grapes cannot be grown in extreme climates.
Do not plant the vines during the winter season because the frost can cause grape problems.
They need an appropriate climate and require adequate sunlight and heat necessary for the ripening of the grape fruits.
Ideally, plant the grapevine during the season with a consistently warm climate.
Early spring is a highly recommended time for plating grapes.
Soil A well-drained soil rich in organic matter is essential because it provides nutrients for the plant.
Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal for grape growth.
Take note that the roots of grapevines tend to grow approximately three to six feet from the plant base.
Any other plant should be at least eight feet away from the grapevine.
Planting Moisture is required for grapevines.
Never allow the roots to dry up.
If necessary, soak them with water for a day.
It is very important not to leave them out in the open for more than a day because the vulnerable young grape vine might dry up.
Watering Water, water, and more water.
Grapevines require plenty of water.
Watering them during the first few months is very important.
As much as possible, water them at least twice daily.
This will cause the roots to settle and provide much needed water to the plants.
Plant care is also important when the plant grows old enough.
A good drainage is fundamental because if water is not properly drained, grape plant diseases can occur.
Fertilizing The leaves serve as a measuring instrument to determine whether your grape plant is receiving sufficient nutrients.
Dark green leaves are good indicators that the grapevines are healthy.
If their color starts to lighten, then it is time to add more organic matter into the soil.
Compost fertilizers are better choices against the chemical based fertilizers found in the market.
Place approximately 6 inches of compost into the soil.
This will provide the necessary nutrients to better the soil.
Trellis An organized trellis structure is necessary as the grapevines grow old.
It will be used by the plants as support.
The height of the trellis must be measured because the grapevines grow to various heights in different seasons.
Shorter ones will do during the winter season.
However, you will need larger and taller trellis' during summer.
Pruning Another important step is to prune the vines timely and properly.
Pruning would divert the nutrients from the grape roots and vines into its fruits.
Less and smaller fruits would be produced if pruning fails.
Grapevine buds are prone to damage during winter so you should prune these buds.
Harvesting This is the most rewarding part of the whole process.
This would literally be the 'fruits of your labor'.
There are testing materials available in the market that can check the sugar level and pH in the fruit to know whether the fruit is ripe.
However, if these are not available, sampling the fruits frequently is an option.
So take your time and indulge in the robust sweetness of your fruit harvest.
You deserve it!
