Grape Trellis

Growing grapes on your own can be a very rewarding way to provide fresh fruit and grapes for wine-making.

Good Day, Sunshine Grapes need a lot of sun! As vines, grapes will often try to climb to places where they can reach more sunlight. Be sure to place your grape trellis in a location that has good sun all day long. The grapes, leaves, and vine all soak up the sun's energy. Your vines will not be as successful if your grape trellis is in the shade. Choosing the Grape Variety If you are growing grapes in your backyard and are limited on space, you might want to choose a slow-growing grape vine that doesn't require a lot of space to thrive. A low-vigorous variety can require as little as 4 feet between each vine, while highly vigorous vines can require from 8 to 10 feet.

Also, be sure to investigate the right variety of grape for your climate. Going through the work of building a grape trellis and planting vines takes time, so be sure to grow grapes that can survive and flourish in your type of climate.

Building the Grape Trellis
You will want to research the type of grape that you have chosen so that you can build the right trellis for it. Typically, a shorter grape trellis is used in colder climates because it is easier to prepare the grapes for winter. Grape vines grow on wires, so choosing a high tensile wire to support the vines and their grapes is important.

Choose either a round wooden post or a painted or galvanized steel post, which should all be treated for weather resistance.

The most secure way to install grape trellis posts is to drive them. When driving a post, it is not recommended that they be artificially pointed, since this can cause early deterioration of the post. Rather, choose the narrowest end and drive it that way.

By building a grape trellis and growing your own grapes, you will be sure to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.