does anyone know anything about growing grapes?

[mrsengeseth]

I have concord. they are doing well in our yard. I have a cheap-as- all -get-out arch that I bought from Family Dollar. I thought it would blow down with a sneeze, but figured I'd give it a try. I have been surprised to find that the grapes grew up it and are doing well with that. And now, for all intents and purposes, my grapes are holding up the arch, lol. they are geting plenty sun where hey are, although I could trim back some neighboring trees to get better sun.

 

[Rosalind]

Quote:
Yes, Concord grapes were developed in Concord, MA. They should do well for you if they get full sun.

I am trying several types this year that are all supposed to be very cold-hardy, including some Riesling varieties. Rieslings are normally grown in chilly, damp areas protected from wind that still get good sun, which describes lots of areas in Massachusetts perfectly. We'll see how that goes...

 

[mom wewantchicks!]

so why partner plants? im pretty new to planting/growing. ive done standard gardens and potted plants but this is our first chance to really plant the things we want. do they help each other to grow better?

 

[thewarriorchild]

My grape vine I thought was going to be a bust but the next year it got HUGE now it is all over our coop wherever there is fencing or chicken wire. It helps hide the chickens and they love to roost in it. I have problems with birds eating the grapes (aside from the chickens eating them) I am going to have to cut it back. I am hoping it continues to provide predator protection from hawks. I am thinking of planting rose vines to keep or help keep the bears away with thorns?...

I bought it at BJ's or the Christmas tree store I do not remember what kind they are but they are purple and good when we get some ripe ones!

 

[schmije]

mom,wewantchicks! :

so why partner plants? im pretty new to planting/growing. ive done standard gardens and potted plants but this is our first chance to really plant the things we want. do they help each other to grow better?

It's called companion planting, and it's all about putting things together that help each other, and keeping things apart that hurt each other. If you Google it, you'll find lots of suggestions. I like the book "Carrots Love Tomatoes."

And if you're growing grapes, make sure they're somewhere that the chickens can't get to. Our girls ate every grape that was within about 18" of the ground last year.​

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
oh well sorry just trying to help. Any type of grape will do fine if the gardener plants it in the right spot and tends to it. no need to be snippy.

 

[mom wewantchicks!]

Quote:
It's called companion planting, and it's all about putting things together that help each other, and keeping things apart that hurt each other. If you Google it, you'll find lots of suggestions. I like the book "Carrots Love Tomatoes."

And if you're growing grapes, make sure they're somewhere that the chickens can't get to. Our girls ate every grape that was within about 18" of the ground last year.

i will have to check that out!. i was wondering about the chickens/deer/birds eating everything. could i possibly get the grapes going on the arch,and make sort of a cage of chicken wire to keep them a little more safe? just until the plants are a little bigger and stronger,they are just the little things you buy at lowes!

 

[HiDelight]

I was out and about googling about growing grapes and then ventured back here to this addictive Chicken board and omg look? a thread about grapes!

I have 5 year old concord grape vines that produce tons of leaves and I enjoy cooking with them ..but the intent was to grow some grapes! I would love to make my childhood "basement wine"

(yes we all stole sips as kids and all my neigbhors where I grew up had wine going in the basement!)

I have produced literally 1 (ONE) grape in five years!????

I am pruning in the fall and it seems to me the rec is to prune mid winter?
I have terrific soil ..have not checked the pH but am assuming it is a little acidic by nature as I live in Westen Washington

I am going to try some companion planting for sure

I will for sure be watching this to see what other tips you guys have!

 

[schmije]

You could try fencing the grapes. It worked for us last year when the girls got into our tomatoes.

I'm sorry that I can't offer any advice on growing the grapes. Concord grapes grow like weeds around here, and we didn't even know that we had them until DH was mowing one day and saw bunches of grapes hanging from one of our trees! We built them some wires to climb on, but have never pruned, fertilized, etc. I'd like to try some other varieties, since we aren't crazy about the taste of Concord.