How to Tend to a Grape Vine Growing on a Trellis

Grape vines are climbing plants and will normally grow up trees, fences or walls. You must therefore supply a sturdy structure that the grape vine can use as a support. This support system, trellis or otherwise, is a must as the vine cannot support the grapes as they approach harvest-time.

An assortment of different approaches can be taken to construct a trellis. Some trellises are built for functionality while others are meant to add to the landscape of the home. They can be of a minimal design that you can build yourself or a more complicated design that requires a professional. It all depends on the preference of the grape grower. There is a plethera of trellis designs and sizes to best fit the requirements of the grower. Many different materials are used in their construction - iron, stainless steel, PVC pipe, aluminium and pre-treated wood. The area that the grapes will be grown is an important factor in establishing the height of the trellis. To step-up the chance of survival through the winter in colder climates the trellis should be shorter. It also makes it easier for the grape grower to prepare the grape vine for winter. Taller trellises can be used in warmer climates. Shorter trellises use posts that are about three feet high while larger trellises require a post that is about eight feet high. Different designs of trellis will fulfill the needs of the area and the grower but they all must be study and well constructed. Since a grape vine usually takes a few years to produce any grapes, the trellis system is going to be in place for a while.

The trellis system should be placed in the yard so that the grape vines will be exposed to a good amount of sunlight and good air movement. Sunlight and air flow are fundamental ingredients in the ripening of grapes and limiting diseases. When the best location for the trellis has been established ensure that the supporting posts are securely cemented into the ground. The trellis post posts can be anchored into the ground by using either catch wires or by placing a short post next to the main post. Set the posts into the ground about eight feet apart. Galvanized wire should be run between the post probably two rows is best. The lower of the two wires should be approximately three inches above the ground. The second wire will be stretched between the top of the posts. A staple gun can be used to staple the wires in place.

Immediately the vine starts to grow you will require to start training it to grow on the trellis. This can take years. Fasten the growing main shoot vertically to the trellis. It is best to use twine to do this. Wire can damage the shoot but string does not. Grape vines are very slow growers but after each inactive period two shoots from each side of the main shoot should be tied horizontally to the trellis. These shoots will be where the fruit will grow.

Jay is a grape growing enthusiast. For more great information on growing grapes on a trellis, visit http://www.mygrapevinesecrets.com.