| Most fruit trees and vines require pruning to | | | | late frost. |
| optimize its fruit production capacity and grape | | | | 4. Pruning the grape vines starts by finding the |
| vines are no exception. Pruning the vines properly | | | | thickest or strongest stem on the grape vine. |
| is the best way to make sure that your crops will | | | | This will serve as its main trunk. Trim all other |
| produce more fruits for years to come. Growing | | | | stems that grow at the base of the trunk. |
| and maintaining a grape vine is no small task; it | | | | 5. Pruning grape vines on the second years' spring |
| requires time and can be frustrating for other | | | | season entails cutting all the side stems except |
| people. Pruning is an important step to encourage | | | | for the two strongest ones on the side of the |
| new growth and stop possible diseases that may | | | | main trunk. Also pinch the top of the vine to |
| hamper the growth of your plants. | | | | force side growth. |
| 1. Pruning vines can help you control the size of | | | | 6. Pruning the vines during the summer of the |
| your crops. It also maintains the quality of grapes | | | | second year entails cutting the top of the vines |
| and helps keep the growth of the vines | | | | to induce fruit production. |
| manageable. | | | | 7. Pruning vines during the spring and summer of |
| 2. People who are experts at pruning grape vines | | | | the third year keeps the basic framework of the |
| have even worked this out into an exact science | | | | vines. |
| by counting each bud that grows on the branches. | | | | 8. When pruning grape vines during the third |
| 3. You can start pruning your grape vines pretty | | | | winter, leave twelve buds on each side of the |
| much anytime during warmer climates after leaf | | | | trunk. These buds will produce the fruits the next |
| loss in the autumn and before new buds grow in | | | | summer. Continue doing this process each winter, |
| the spring. However, during cold climates, its best | | | | making sure that there are always twelve |
| to wait until mid-winter before pruning your vines. | | | | renewal buds on the stems to ensure fruit |
| This is done so the vines will not be forced to | | | | production the following summer. |
| grow too early and then get destroyed by the | | | | |