Gorgeous Grapevines And Great Grapes.
An Art of Centuries – Growing grapes has been a long time tradition in many gardens. Gardeners can enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown grapes, jams wines and much more. However the work to maintain grapevines can be a challenge. As with other fruit grapevines need weeding, fertilizing, pruning as well as disease and pest control.
Growing and Propagation – The key to growing grapes is spending time on soil preparation before planting. A soil test should be conducted to make sure that the soil pH is to the required standard. Next the soil should be dug as far down as 24 inches and placed at least 8 feet apart incorporating well rotted manure as it is a good source of organic matter. Most grapes require full sun, moderate amounts of water and well drained slightly acidic soil that should be preferably sandy and loam. Over the winter time or early spring are ideal times to plant vines.
Also if one wishes to propagate shrubs and vines once again winter time or early spring is the perfect time to do so. For the best plants, only pencil thick pre ripened cuttings should be selected. This is because stems that are not ripe, weak or green will rot and should not be used. Also avoid using cuttings with black lumps present as it indicates winter spore clusters of Botryis mildew . These cuttings can be propagated indoors or outdoors but should always be planted so that the roots are always kept cool and can be achieved by placing large stones or rocks around the base to shield the soil from direct sunlight. It is essential to maintain size, shape, and productivity. If left unattended grapevines can become somewhat unruly and fruiting will be poor due to over production of vegetation.
Production – The vine will produce fruit within the first two years but are best left on the vine. Thin the vine by removing 2/3 of the grapes and by the following year you can expect to produce usable fruits.
For more details on growing Grapevines visit: http://gardenadvice.co.uk/howto/fruit/grapevine/index.html
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