Growing Cold Hardy Grapes

Community gardens are great ways to get to know the people who live near you as you grow your own food, herbs and flowers. We have a new community garden here in Campbellton, New Brunswick. It is located on private property and combines yard sharing and community gardening in a model that differs from the usual pattern.

I was visiting Rose’s Landscaping here in town the other day, looking at what was new and when talking with the manager she mentioned grapes. I have often thought about growing grapes but was told the climate was just too cold.

We do have a short growing season. The last frost occurs around June 10 and the first frost of the season may occur as early as August 25^th.

I was pleased to find there are cold hardy varieties available that will grow in this short season.

Grapes, once established will grow well as long as they get sunlight, grapes do love the sun. In addition to sunlight, the grapes will need a strong support upon which to grow. It must be sturdy or otherwise it will collapse under the weight of the vines.

In addition to a sunny spot, grapes enjoy a soil that has a pH between 6 and 7.

When planting the grape vines, you proceed much as you do when planting tree seedlings. The first step is to prepare a hole large enough for the root growth already on the vine.

If the seedlings are two to three years old the hole may need to be at least a foot wide. Avoid crowding the roots and do not force them into the hole.

Once the vines are planted, it is time to give them a generous drink of water but be careful not to drown them. As with most plants, the early morning before the day heats up, is the best time to water.

As the season nears the end, pay close attention to frost warnings, you will want to keep your grapes on the vine until almost the last minute. Grapes only ripen on the vine so it is vital to give them the time to do so.

When choosing a grape variety, you need to consider why you are growing grapes, decoration, to make jams, juices and jellies, to eat the fruit or to make wine.

There are varieties Frontenac, for example that are hardy to Zone 4 and can be used to make a fine wine.

If you are new to growing grapes and live in Zone 3 or 4, talk with the manager of your local plant nursery to see what is available or what can be brought in, they should be able to suggest grapes that are suited to where you live.