| Ask anyone who grows grapes and they will tell | | | | an area where the roots have good drainage. |
| you that it is a long and difficult process to | | | | 7. Grape plants don’t need a lot of |
| produce quality wine. Follow these tips and you will | | | | watering, but in the dry seasons (Spring and |
| be amazed at how delicious your wine turns out. | | | | Summer, depending on the amount of rain) grape |
| 1. Check with the local horticultural society to see | | | | plants need to be watered at least once a week. |
| which grapes are best to plant in your area | | | | 8. Stop watering once the grapes start to change |
| before planting anything. Grape plants often take | | | | color. They will not need to be watered again until |
| years to bear fruit, and it's best to know ahead | | | | Autumn, when the leaves fall off. Then, water |
| of time if your crop will turn out so you can avoid | | | | once more just before the ground freezes to get |
| wasting time. | | | | the plants through the winter. |
| 2. If you purchase grape rootstock you should | | | | 9. To protect your vines from birds and pests, |
| soak the roots in water for a day so they | | | | use at least two different sized, overlapping nets |
| don’t dry out. Then, dig a shallow trench to | | | | to cover the plants. The first net should be a |
| keep them in until the vine can be permanently | | | | plastic bag like the ones potatoes come in. |
| placed. | | | | However for the second you will need to go to a |
| 3. Plant your grapes in an area where they will get | | | | gardening supply store and purchase a gardening |
| plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Grapes | | | | net. |
| need A LOT of sunshine, so makes sure | | | | 10. Pruning is the most important part of growing |
| they’re planted in the sunniest plot you can | | | | wine grapes. Plants will need to be pruned every |
| manage. | | | | year in early spring or late winter. If you neglect |
| 4. Make sure you leave at least 8 feet between | | | | your pruning duties, the grapes will grow and ripen |
| each vine when planting the rootstock, as grapes | | | | unevenly. However, pruning is a very delicate |
| need ample room to grow and flourish. | | | | process and all beginners should research the |
| 5. You will need to train your vines on a trellis to | | | | process before trying it out for the first time. |
| insure they grow evenly. You may need to move | | | | 11. When the grapes begin to ripen, check the |
| them around a lot at first to keep them growing | | | | sugar and pH levels frequently to get the perfect |
| right. | | | | crop. Again, do plenty of research on your |
| 6. Have you ever wondered why you often see | | | | particular strain of grape and proper levels to be |
| grape vines planted on a slope? This is because it | | | | sure you know what you're doing. This also |
| provides optimal drainage. In order for the grapes | | | | depends on what your particular tastes are and |
| to grow properly, the vines need to be planted in | | | | what kind of wine you’re making. |