This is a brief post with a link to the full article, hopefully it may explain a few of the ways to grow a grapevine.
www.readsnursery.co.uk/grapevine-care/
GRAPEVINE CULTIVATION
There is a grape variety to suit most situations and they can be grown indoors, outdoors or in a pot for fruit production or decorative purposes.
Planting Outdoors
Grapevines are happy to grow in a wide range of soil types providing they are deep and free draining with a pH of around 6.5-7.0. Drainage is very important and attention must be given to this issue if the soil is poor draining .
Grapes need is a sunny sheltered aspect. Water is very important to a vine and even an established vine will need additional water in the growing season. It must be emphasised again – water logging in winter is a major contributing factor to the failure of a vine.
Where planted against a wall leave a gap of 18 inches /45 cm to keep the roots away from the dry spot at the base of the wall, using a cane to tie the vine to for additional support while it is establishing.
Wires will need fixing to the wall for support every 12-15 inches /30cm,use spacers to keep the wire away from the wall creating an air gap.
Planting Indoors
There are differing opinions regarding vines for the greenhouse. It really does not matter if grape is planted outside the greenhouse and fed inside or if it is planted inside. The advantage to outside planting is that the plant requires less water but an inside planted vine has the advantage of an earlier start into growth. A strong support system will be required .
Planting In Pots
The ideal growing medium for grapes in pots is John Innes No3. Plant in a wide bottomed pot as this adds to the stability and it will not blow over as easily. Remember to crock the pot well and place in a good sunny spot. Winter protection will be needed either by placing in a cold greenhouse or wrapping the pot to protect the root ball.
Pruning
This can be described as an extremely complex subject, but it actually isn’t, pruning vines is a very simple logical process.
There are two main methods for home gardeners to consider; drawn here for simplicity of explanation, there is also a video – here.
Spur Pruning for European ( vitis vinifera) greenhouse grapevines such as Black Hamburgh and Muscat Alexandria also used when growing over a pergola perhaps.
Full article and sketches available via the link above.
Reads Nursery ~ oddsaddenda 