Grapes are not only a healthy snack rich in antioxidants and vitamins; they're a beautiful addition to your garden with their twisting tendrils. Whether you're looking to grow your own fruit, make your own jams or try out home winemaking, grapes can be a fulfilling and satisfying choice – with plenty of varieties available. Below, we'll explore everything you need to know for a successful harvest.
When is the best time to plant grapes?
You can plant your grapes between October and March, though it's generally preferred to opt for early springtime, to avoid any damage to young grapevines caused by frost. During this time, the soil is also typically cool and moist, which helps these young vines establish strong roots.
What grape varieties are available?
There are two main varieties of grapes you can grow: dessert grapes, which are simply the grapes we eat, and wine grapes, grown for producing wine. Normally, you'd have to choose one or the other; however, there are some grapevines which can be used to grow both.
Dessert grapes need warm temperatures to ripen, so they are often grown in polytunnels or greenhouses, while wine grapes have a better chance of being successfully grown outdoors. These grapes aren't usually eaten as they are usually very small, contain lots of seeds and have a tough skin.
Within the two core categories, there are countless varieties of grapes you can grow. From white and green to red or seeded to seedless, all come with different flavours, ripening times and levels of resilience.
How to grow grapes
You need to find a warm spot in your garden that gets a lot of sun (or plant in a polytunnel for guaranteed hot conditions). Make sure the place you've chosen is against a wall or fence for support. Leave around 6in between the vine and the wall for it to grow against. Grapevines will grow on the majority of free-draining soils so you don't have too much fuss!
- When planting, ensure the soil is well-drained and has been enriched with compost.
- Dig and position the vine so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Growing grapes in a polytunnel
By
growing your grapes in a polytunnel, your vine is protected from any bad weather, making for a longer yield. Grapes also rely heavily on hot conditions, and polytunnels retain that heat to help ensure a successful harvest.
You can plant the roots of the grapevine inside or just outside the polytunnel with its growth directed inside so it can be watered by rainfall.
Best conditions for growing grapes
Temperature & sunlight: Grapes need warm and sunny conditions to crop well. As the UK weather can be somewhat unreliable, polytunnels are valuable tools for ensuring your grapevine has the heat it needs.
Soil: Grapes prefer well-draining soil. Heavy clay soil holds too much water and can rot roots. If your soil is sticky and stays wet, mix in lots of compost or manure to help it drain better for healthy growth.
Support: Grapevines need support to grow upwards, like a wall, fence or trellis. This helps train the vine, keeps fruit off the ground, improves airflow and prevents disease.
In polytunnels, the
rod and spur pruning and training method (also known as cordon training) is typically the best method. This method trains the vines to form a permanent stem or stems (rods) from which shoots grow. In winter, fruited shoots are pruned back to one or two buds to form fruiting spurs. This method is also ideal for grapes grown on arches or pergolas.
When to pick grapes
The best time for harvesting your grapes is between August and November. This can differ depending on whether you are growing them outside or in your polytunnel – grapevines in a polytunnel can often ripen slightly earlier due to the consistent warmth and protection.
Look out for your grapes achieving their true colour as the key visual clue that they're ready to be picked. The stems may also start to turn slightly woody. Your grapes should detach easily from the grapevine with a gentle tug when fully ripe.
How to care for growing grapevines
- Watering: Only water your grapevines when the soil is dry to avoid overwatering.
- Training & pruning: Train the vines to grow up with support. In early winter, prune back stems to encourage new growth each year.
- Early flower removal: In the first two years, remove any flowers to help the plant focus on strong growth and root development.
- Limit early fruit production: In years three to five, allow only a few bunches of grapes to grow, giving the vine time to establish itself properly.
- Regular pruning: After the plant is established, prune annually to maintain a healthy structure and encourage fruit production.
Start growing grapes with help from Premier Polytunnels
No matter which variety of grapevines you choose to grow, our durable range of polytunnels will support you in achieving a thriving harvest. Guided by our
yearly planner, you can efficiently cultivate a
wide range of vegetables alongside your grapes in our polytunnels, extending your growing season.
For more information on how our top-quality equipment can assist you with your grape growing, reach out to our team of experts by calling 01282 811250 or emailing
info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk.