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By DR. DIANE RELF
Rappahannock News Contributing Writer
Juices, jellies, wines and pies are all products that can be made form grapes. And of course, the fruits also are delicious when eaten fresh. So it is not surprising that grapes are one of the most popular fruit crops for the home garden.
A favorable climate is essential for successful grape growing. Climatic requirements are a minimum growing season of 150 days and winter temperatures above -25F. In addition, grape vines need a site with good air circulation, full sunlight, and adequate soil moisture.
Deep, Well-drained Sandy
Loam Soil Is Best
Grapes are tolerant of a range of soil types, but are most successfully grown in deep, well-drained, sandy loams. Ideally, the site should be prepared the year prior to planting. All perennial weeds should be eliminated, and organic matter (manure, compost, peat moss, etc.) should be incorporated into the soil. A soil test can provide recommendations for pre-plant « fertilization.
Purchase grape vines from a reputable nursery ordering early (four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area) to insure the desired cultivars are available! Request that the grapevines arrive in early spring, and plant them immediately. Remove any broken or damage roots, and place in the soil at the depth they were grown in the nursery. Do not fertilize at this time. Vines should be a minimum of 8 feet apart both within and between rows.
No fertilizer should be used on grape vines the first year. In subsequent years, the following amounts of 10-10-10 should be spread around the vines in early spring before growth begins: 2nd year — 2 ounces, 3rd years — 4 ounces, 4th years — 8 ounces, 5th years — 16 ounces.
The four-arm Kniffin system is commonly recommended for pruning and training grapes in the home garden. A trellis is required using a wire at three feet and a parallel wire at six feet. Usually galvanized ware (size 9, 10, or 11) is attached to durable wood posts set up to 24 feet apart. Muscadine grapes, which may be grown in southeastern Virginia, have a significantly different pruning system. Call your local Extension agent for information on muscadine grapes.
Establishing Vines Takes
At Least Four Years
In year one, remove all but the best single cane on each young vine at planting. Also remove all but the two uppermost buds on this remaining came. Tie this cane to the bottom trellis wire or to a stake to hold it erect. After several weeks, the buds should
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