Growing Grapes In The Home Garden | UMN Extension

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three grape vine stems soaking in a bucket of water
Bare-root vines soaking in a bucket of water before planting

In Minnesota, spring planting is recommended to give the young vines the most time to get established before their first winter.

If you order from catalogs or online sources your plants will arrive as dormant, bare-root plants. Keep the plants in a cool place with the root system moist. Plant the vines as soon as possible.

Local nurseries also carry potted vines. These vines should also be planted as soon as possible, but because the roots are growing the timing is not as critical.

Before planting bare-root vines

  • Soak the roots in water for 3 to 4 hours.
  • At planting, remove all canes except the most vigorous one.
  • Plant vines with the lowest bud on the cane just above the soil surface.
  • Trim off any broken or excessively long roots.
  • Dig a hole large enough to spread the root system out.
  • Cover the roots completely with soil.

Mulching is not usually recommended for grapes because mulch will keep the soil temperature too cool. Grape vines grow best in warmer soil.

Initial watering

two grape vines growing on a trellis against a fence with other plants
Vines pruned in early spring before growth started will cover this fence and pergola in a few months.

After planting, water the vines regularly throughout the first year. The root system must grow and establish to allow shoot growth in the first year.

Support

Grapevines need support or they will trail along the ground. The support can be an arbor covering a patio for shade or as simple as a post in the ground to support the trunk of the vine.

Grapevines can also be grown along an existing fence. Virtually any type of support structure will do, provided it is sturdy. Grape vines grow quickly and get quite heavy.

Grapevines can be trained and pruned to just about any form and shape.

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