Table Grapes are a very attractive ornamental addition to the garden or courtyard and will add seasonal interest throughout the year. Growing your own grapes and enjoying the little juicy gems they harbor is definitely possible and most enjoyable in all types of gardens.

Points to note on grapes farming

  • Grapes like hot, sunny areas
  • If you take good care of your grapevine, it will grow and produce for many years to come โ€“ it might even outlive you. Keep this in mind and choose a site that will accommodate your vine permanently.
  • Good drainage is very important for the health of your vine. Choose a well-draining site with a sandy loam soil.

Grape vines are vigorous growers and need to be supported by a sturdy structure like a trellis or gum poles and this structure has to be installed beforehand. Plant only one vine per support.

Grapes are gross feeders. Prepare the planting hole in advance. Dig a hole of about 60 x 60cm and add a generous amount of 20Kg compost manure mixed with top soil from the hole. Use this soil to plant your new table grape vine and plant it slightly deeper that it was in the bag/pot when you bought it.

If planting more than one plant, space them 1.5m apart in rows 1.5m wide.

After planting, cut the stem back to 3-4 eyes/buds and water very well.

Spread a generous layer of mulch around the plant(s), keeping clear of the stems.

Grapes can be grown with great success in large pots, tubs or troughs, provided they are in full sun and are supported by a vertical trellis. These plants will have to be pruned back and kept under control more than vines in the garden. Also keep in mind that vines in pots will need to be watered and fed more frequently.

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General Care Of Table Grapes

Once a year, in spring, do an application of organic 8:1:5 fertiliser (according to manufacturerโ€™s instructions). At the same time apply Epsom salts (Magnesium Sulphate) at the rate of 80g per young vine and 140g per mature vine.

Always water well before and after applying fertilisers. The Magnesium Sulphate can also be applied as a foliar spray at the ratio of 45g per 10L of water.

Keep vines moist during the growing season, but donโ€™t let it get waterlogged.

Reduce watering during the ripening stage.

Protect fruit from birds with bird netting or strips of foil attached to the vines to scare them off. The individual bunches can also be wrapped in netting bags, old stockings or white paper bags.

Grapes are prone to fungal disease like powdery and downy mildew and rust. Start spraying preventatively with a copper-based fungicide every fortnight.

Pruning your Table Grapevine

It is very important to prune your grapevines during their dormant stage.

During the first season, choose the strongest stem on your young vine and cut it back to 2 eyes/nodes. Prune off all other branches. The 2 eyes will send out shoots โ€“ choose the stronger of the 2 and tie it to your support structure. Remove the other shoot. Survival of the fittest hereโ€ฆ

As this shoot grows, continue tying it to the support. Pinch side shoots at 30cm intervals until the plant reaches the top of the support and cut the shoot at this height. The shoot will develop 2 side shoots, which must be trained to grow horizontally in opposite directions from the main shoot along the top of your arbour.

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Every subsequent winter, cut the shoots that developed during the season back to 6 buds and older, fruit bearing canes back to 2 buds. Remove all dead and diseased growth.

Harvesting Table Grapes

Allow grapes to mature on the vine and only pick when fully ripe. Taste the fruit before you start picking until it is fully developed.

Remove by holding the bunch of grapes in one hand and cutting the stem with a very sharp knife or secateurs.ย  Avoid pulling or jerking as this may damage the fruit or plant.

Grapes Seedlings can be purchased at Farmers Trend nurseries via 0724559286

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