Choose The Correct Soil for Growing Grapes

Choose The Correct Soil for Growing Grapes

Growing grapes is a time consuming process which requires lots of patience and diligence. Don't try planting grapes if you expect a rich harvest immediately. Grapes require good sunlight, enough water and rich soil in order to develop properly. Grapes will usually fruit after two to trhee years since planting. You can obtain those "labor fruits" only if you are properly taking care of your grape wine. Always choose a proper soil in order to grow grapes.



While you grow grapes you do need to think about the special characteristics of the chosen variety. Every grape variety is unique and has to be taken care accordingly. The grape variety that you are growing will have a direct impact on the length of the growing season. You are better off choosing grape species that are perfect for growing in your location. Study climatic and soil conditions in your locality so that you can choose the one species that offers best results.



Choose the proper soil. Soil offers nourishment and support for your crops. Unsuitable soil can easily ruin your harvest even if you use the best possible fertilizer. Whenever you look at soil you need to know the amount of minerals and nutrients that reach the plant, the water that soil can absorbe and root absorption rates. the soil you choose should be such that even though it absorbs good quantity of water it is able to drain it well too and thereby prevent saturation of roots. Soil toxicity needs to be properly examined before planting seeds and rootstocks.



Before you properly plant your rootstocks you will need to analyze them to make sure their health is good. If immediate planting is not possible then you have to keep your rootstocks under water for a maximum of 1 day so it will not rot. The rootstocks should never be left to dry. Incase you are stuck in a quandary of how to retain your rootstocks if you can't plant them the best option would be to make a temporary trench and place the rootstocks by covering them in soil.



At the time of plantation maintain a gap of 8-10 feet between two rootstocks as the roots of each rootstock can spread up to 3-6 feet. For the first few months give lots of water to the plants for it to get rooted firmly in the soil. Later on though keep an eye on the drainage of the soil carefully. If you are looking at improper drainage then the roots can easily rot and your plant will fet infected.



The leaves of the plants have to be analyzed. They will alert you if anything is wrong with your plants. Their rich color will be an indication of them getting a sufficient supply of nutrients and minerals. When they are healthy their color is dark green. You may choose to put some compost near the roots to replenish the soil. As mentioned earlier, growing grapes is a lengthy and cumbersome process. The two most important factors for a rich harvest is proper soil and making sure at all times that proper sunlight exposure is provided.