GRAPES
Grapes are an excellent fruit, which can be
eaten straight from the plant or processed into jam, juice, wine etc. The plants can also be a
valuable addition to your garden as a shade or screen plant when trained up on trellis. |
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PLANTING
You should plant grapes in early spring, as
early as you can start to work the soil. The soil must be weed free so the vines have no
competition. Dig the plant hole quite big, grape vines roots spread and the bigger the hole
the happier the plant, it will also increase your yield. Spread the plants out 8 feet apart.
If planting to cover a trellis remember a single plant can cover a trellis. Try to stake
the plants so that they do not trail on the floor and become damaged. |
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PRUNING
Once you have planted your grapevines you
should prune them back to 3 buds. Pruning will increase the grape yield, although a small vine
can produce a large amount of grapes without pruning. Pruning should involve a 3-year plan: |
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FIRST WINTER OR SPRING
After planting prune back to 3 buds. |
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SECOND SPRING
When shoots reach 6 inches long, select the
strongest one to produce the trunk. Cut the rest off, and anchor the trunk. |
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SECOND SUMMER
Select the strongest branches and tie to stake or trellis. |
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THIRD YEAR
Four canes should be growing at any given
time. After the third year, late in winter, cut out the old canes and replace them by tying
new canes to the trellis. |
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HARVESTING
After 3-4 years each vine should be producing 12-15 pounds of grapes, about 45 bunches. Grapes
develop best in heat, so be patient and wait until they separate easily from stalk. Pick on a
dry day. Watch out for the birds. |
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ITALICA
Italica has large round fleshy white berries that mature mid-season. A seeded berrie that is
good eating. |
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SULTANA
This grape matures early, it has seedless grapes which are yellow in colour and oval in shape.
It is a table grape. |
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CABINET SAUVIGNON
This makes an excellent red wine, and produces bunches of small berries that mature in late
January. |
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RED GLOBE
A very large ovate amber coloured mid-season berrie, seeded. Good eating. |
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