On 3/30/2009 7:12 AM, Jim wrote:
Hi,

I planted two grape vines last year, then got too busy to stake them and
well they looked so dead when they arrived from Burpees I was not sure they
would grow. I have not pruned them yet either. Should I prune them way
back or leave them long. I will get the stakes and wire in place soon, but
I think I should prune them now.

Any good websites for grapes? I have seen some but most are on a commercial
level, I just have two vines hoping to get a few grapes.

Cheers,
Jim



If they were planted last year, then the only pruning they need is to
remove side shoots in order to create a central trunk. Keep one main
shoot until it reaches the top of whatever supporting system you will
use. Let it get a bit taller than the support and then head it back so
that it develops side shoots along the top of the support.

A mature grape vine loaded with fruit is very heavy. I use 3-inch
steel-pipe fence posts instead of stakes. I run wire rope between them.
See my http://www.rossde.com/garden/garden_grapes.html for details,
including a rough sketch.

Next year will be when you start serious pruning. I've seen several
good books on pruning trees, shrubs, and vines that had excellent
instructions for pruning grape vines. A good nursery or a well-stocked
public library should have 2-3 such books.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/.

Don't ask "Why is there road rage?" Instead, ask
"Why NOT Road Rage?" or "Why Is There No Such
Thing as Fast Enough?"
http://www.rossde.com/roadrage.html