3/12
Planting
To grow grapes, space plants 5 to 6 feet apart in all directions. Multiple plants are usually positioned in rows to maximize the use of space and give vines room to spread out and ripen fruit, but vines can also be used to line a fence or cover a structure. Dig a hole and line the bottom of the hole with compost before planting to jump-start growth. Tamp the soil and water well.
4/12
Fertilizing
The first year will be about plant growth, so it’s fine to apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen. After that, you want to grow grapes, not foliage, so fertilize only if plants are showing stunted growth or if a soil test shows a nutrient deficiency. When fertilizing mature grapevines, remember that the roots can spread out up to 8 feet, so apply throughout the bed, not just at the base of the plant. If you see chlorosis caused by a high-pH soil (see photo), you may need to lower the pH.
