| Having grape vines in a backyard may seem | | | | temperatures when compared to south facing |
| unrealistic to many, after all grapes are normally | | | | slope? |
| grown in large vineyards by families that have | | | | Growing grapes require a specific soil type. |
| generations invested into their tending and care. | | | | Experts recommend that the soil should drain |
| However, this is not true; with a little knowledge, | | | | easily and not be prone to standing water (water |
| patience and ambition growing grapes is possible in | | | | logging). If possible have the soil tested to make |
| most backyards. | | | | sure it is optimal for growing grapes, if not the soil |
| With home grown grapes, one can have fresh | | | | can be amended to better support grape plants. |
| fruits, jellies, desserts and the possibility of | | | | Choosing the right cultivar (variety) is important. |
| creating delicious wines. That all not withstanding, a | | | | Some cultivars are more susceptible to diseases |
| grape vine makes a beautiful ornamental plant and | | | | and pests. Other cultivars will not grow well in |
| a center piece for discussions. Growing grapes is a | | | | certain gardening zones. Find the cultivar that best |
| satisfying hobby to pick up. | | | | suits the gardening zone where the grapes are to |
| The first step in growing grapes is to understand | | | | be grown. The cultivar can even be more specific |
| the physiology of the grape plant. This will allow | | | | as to the use of the grapes; seedless, dessert |
| the grower to recognize the different parts of | | | | grapes or wine grapes. |
| the plant. The parts of the grape plant that a | | | | Order the grape plants from a reputable nursery; |
| grower needs to be familiar with include the trunk, | | | | some nursery's send out grape plants that are |
| arms, cordon, cane, spur, shoot, node and the | | | | disease ridden and may not last. Call the local |
| internode. Armed with this information a grower | | | | cooperative extension; they may be able to |
| can take better care of the plant while growing | | | | recommend a reputable nursery that carries |
| grapes at home. | | | | cultivars that flourish in the region. |
| It is also important to learn the growing cycle of | | | | When growing grapes it is important to install a |
| the grape as it grows from the dormant phase in | | | | trellis. The trellises help train the grape plant, |
| the winter time, through the spring shoots and | | | | providing it with support and making it easier to |
| finally to the fruiting period in the late summer. | | | | pick the ripe grapes. A trellis needs to be sturdy |
| Site selection is important for grape vines since | | | | and be able to last the grape's lifetime. Trellises |
| grapes are perennial and require a long growth | | | | can also be attractive backyard ornaments easily |
| period before they produce fruit. However, once | | | | becoming the center piece of a backyard garden. |
| established grapes can last way over 50 years in | | | | Once the grapes plants are established, they |
| the proper location. It is therefore important to | | | | require regular pruning, weeding and some |
| make sure the grape plant is located in site where | | | | fertilizing. To learn the specifics of caring for home |
| it can be allowed to thrive. Site selection should | | | | grown grapes contact the nearest cooperative |
| take into consideration the actual climate (or | | | | extension, they are an invaluable source of |
| micro-climate) of the site. Is it a sloping site which | | | | information and would gladly help a home |
| allows frost to roll away? Or is the site north | | | | gardener with tips on successfully growing grapes. |
| facing which is more susceptible to lower | | | | |