Growing a Healthy Grape Vine
There are many good benefits that happen when you are growing a grape vine, some are having fresh grapes to eat or making juice and jelly. However one of the best of all is the making of wines. Some of the other benefits are that they provide nice shaded areas and improve the landscape of your yard. Some find the idea of growing grapes intimidating, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips on how to grow vines:
Planting- The area where the vine will be planted is a major consideration in growing a grape vine.Grapes need heat so they should be planted in an area where they can get more sun. Grapes can grow in most soil types except for wet heavy clay. Growers just have to make sure that the growing area has good irrigation. The soil's pH level should also be maintained. Grapes grow in soils with pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5. Good seeds and tips on how to grow grape vines can be purchased from a trusted nursery.
Care- Growing a grape vine will need your utmost attention. Healthy roots need water at least once a week for proper growth. A 5 gallon bucket should be handy and the grape vines should be watered at least once every week. Grape clusters should be picked out. The plant should not be made to grow fruit for the first year as this is the period allotted for it to grow its roots. A "grow tube" can be used to guide in growing your grape vine and at the same time protect it from wind and animals but should be removed after the first growing season to make possible for the vines to grow thicker.
Controlling pests- Pests are the grape vine's worst enemies. Different insects attack the vines and hamper its growth or produce. Wasps attack the berries by breaking the skin and eating the flesh. Making "wasp traps" can keep them away from the fruit. Another good way to keep wasps and other insects away is to plant a rose bush close to the vines.
Pruning- Fruit-bearing vines, like grapes, need to be pruned. Those who do not actually know how to grow grape vines may not believe in pruning as it only adds extra work. Gettng the grape vine to the shape and size you want will involve pruning. In addition it also controls the fruit bearing of the vine. If left unpruned for the first growing season it could bear abundant yields but would produce very little in the succeeding growing seasons.
Weather Conditions- Some people are hesitant because they do not know how to grow grape vines in varying weather conditions. Typically, grapes don't need much protection from the heat and sun. But they would need protection from snow during winter. A snow cover is a much used protection. But some growers also use make-shift insulators. Straw or hay layered on the ground will provide good insulation for the roots.
The best thing to do if you are unsure of how to grow grape vines would be to consult experts or purchase some books on the subject. These provide a more in depth explanation on growing a grape vine and other relevant information.
About the Author
The mystery of growing a grapevine has been solved by Vito Vittone. If you are interested in the solution to this mystery it can be found here: http://www.grapegrowingguidance.com/how-to-grow-grape-vines/
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