Growing grapes at home is no piece of cake either. It requires a lot of preparation in order for the grapevines to grow strong and healthy. It needs your efforts since the vine has to be maintained at all times. Above all, you have to be patient because you will only be able to harvest the produce after the first growing season.
When growing grapes at home you will realize that it requires a lot of consideration. Foremost, the grower needs to ascertain the purpose for which the grapes will be planted. You see, grapes come in different varieties. In growing grapes, the local weather should also be considered. One needs to know the number of grapevines to be planted too.
Since grapes come in different varieties, choosing the right one for a particular purpose is a must. Of course, the grower needs to consider the type of climate in the area where he intends to grow them. For people who are growing grapes, home ornamentals can also be made out of its leafy grapevines. The grapes are also ideal for wine making while some can be made into jellies and dried candies. Nonetheless, it will help if you seek advice from expert growers who will teach you about growing grapes at home.
Growing grapes at home requires careful planning too. It starts by looking for an ideal site. It needs to be spacious to allow the vines to grow abundantly. Thus, spacing is a must if multiple vines will be planted. It needs a lot of sunlight too. A good drainage and an irrigation system is also needed because grapes will not grow well in places where there is excess water. More importantly, having the soil analyzed is a very important step to consider. Grape vines thrive in soil that has the right amount of nutrients for a healthy growth.
In growing grapes at home, you will need materials such as a trellis, soil, fertilizers and pesticides. If there's a way you can go organic, that would be much better. Animal manure such as that of a goat is ideal because it is cooler compared with those of cows or other animals. Once all these materials are on hand, you are ready to get started.
If you are growing grapes at home in the southeastern third of the State, October or November are the best months to plant. If you are unsure, you can always ask help from your local agriculturist who will be able to tell you the right weather conditions in your area for growing grapes.
Growing grapes at home is more than just a leisurely activity. It is a passion that requires patience and a lot of effort. However, nothing can be more rewarding than being able to eat your very own fresh grapes right off the vine. With a good harvest you can share the grapes with family and friends.