Planting grapes isn’t just a matter of placing a seedling into the ground—it’s an art that requires knowledge, experience, and attention to detail. A rich harvest directly depends on the proper selection of site, timing, grape variety, soil preparation, and care. The more carefully you approach the early stages of grapevine cultivation, the better your chances of success. As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle, most mistakes in grape growing stem from poor planting practices.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Grapes: Spring or Fall?
The best time to plant grapes depends on your local climate and the type of seedling. Both spring and fall have their benefits.
Spring Planting of Grapes
- Spring is ideal for seedlings with an open root system.
- Air temperature should be no lower than +10 °C, and the soil should be warmed to +8–10 °C.
- The plant has time to take root before winter.
Fall Planting of Grapes
- Typically done in October.
- Suitable for southern regions of Ukraine and similar climates.
- Seedlings root well but must be protected for the winter.
Recommendation: In northern areas, it’s best to plant in spring to prevent freezing.
How to Choose the Right Spot for Planting Grapes
The right location is half the success.
- Grapes require plenty of sunlight, so choose sunny, wind-protected areas.
- Avoid lowlands, where cold air accumulates and moisture stagnates.
- The best location is near southern or southwestern walls of buildings.
- Don’t plant grapes near trees—they create shade and absorb moisture.
- Avoid areas with high groundwater (closer than 1.5 m to the surface).
How to Prepare the Soil for Grapes
Grapes thrive best in light, fertile, well-drained soils.
Soil preparation steps:
- 2–3 weeks before planting, dig the soil to a depth of 50–70 cm.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure (10–15 kg per m²).
- Add superphosphate (200 g) and potassium salt (100 g) if needed.
- If the soil is acidic, add lime (500 g/m²).
- For clay soils, add sand to improve structure.
Tip: In heavy soils, consider adding a gravel or crushed brick drainage layer.
How to Prepare and Plant Grape Seedlings Properly
Seedlings require careful preparation before planting.
Preparing seedlings:
- Remove damaged or dried roots.
- Soak roots in water with a growth stimulator (e.g., “Kornevin”) for 12–24 hours.
- Trim shoots, leaving 2–3 buds.
Planting scheme:
- Dig a hole 70–80 cm deep and 60 cm wide.
- Place a 10–15 cm drainage layer at the bottom.
- Fill 2/3 of the hole with a nutrient mix of compost, soil, and fertilizer.
- Place the seedling at a 45° angle, spreading the roots.
- Cover with soil, leaving 1–2 buds above the surface.
- Water with 2–3 buckets of water.
Distance Between Grape Seedlings and Choosing the Right Variety
Spacing depends on the variety and whether you’re growing table grapes or wine grapes.
| Type of Grape | Distance Between Plants | Distance Between Rows |
|---|---|---|
| Table varieties | 1.5–2 m | 2–2.5 m |
| Wine varieties | 1–1.5 m | 2–2.5 m |
| Vigorous vines | up to 2.5 m | 2.5–3 m |
Popular grape varieties for Ukraine (also suited for similar zones):
- Arkadia
- Kishmish Zaporizkyi
- Livadia Black
- Super-Extra
Common Mistakes When Planting Grapes
Avoiding these mistakes can help keep your plant healthy.
- Planting in shade—causes stretching and poor fruiting.
- Placing the seedling too deep or too shallow.
- Choosing the wrong variety for your region.
- Lack of drainage in the planting hole.
- Damaged or dry roots not trimmed before planting.
- Overwatering in the first few weeks.
Caring for Grapes After Planting
Key rules:
- Water every 7–10 days during the first month.
- Mulching retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Protect from frost—cover the young vine during the first winter.
- Begin vine shaping in the second year.
- Remove side shoots (suckers) to focus energy on the main stem.
Recommendation: Prevent fruiting during the first 2–3 years to avoid exhausting the plant.
Organic Fertilizers for Young Grapevines
Using organic materials boosts soil fertility without harming the environment.
- Well-rotted manure — every 2 years (5–10 kg per vine).
- Wood ash — a source of potassium and phosphorus.
- Herbal infusions — for supplying microelements.
Not recommended: Avoid using fresh manure—it may burn the roots.
When to Expect the First Harvest
You can expect the first harvest in the third year, but full fruiting typically begins in years 4–5.
Factors that affect yield:
- Quality of the seedling
- Planting conditions
- Vine training system
- Pest and disease protection
- Regular care and maintenance
Grape planting is a multi-step process that begins with selecting the location and ends with careful maintenance during the first years. When done correctly and thoughtfully, the grapevine will reward you with rich harvests for many years to come. The process requires patience, but the results are worth the effort.
Earlier we wrote about how to plant lettuce properly for a good harvest.