“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn. ” B. C. Forbes
You may have recently seen my last episode on Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Successwhich somewhat relates to today’s topic on vertical gardening. In today’s episode I will be elaborating on this topic and showing you the benefits of gardening vertically!
Vertical gardening is a gardening technique that simply involves growing plants vertically, taking advantage of unused vertical space while creating a stunning visual display. Not only does it allow you to maximize your garden space, but it also has numerous benefits, including easier maintenance, better air circulation, and less pest and disease problems. If you’re new to vertical gardening and don’t know where to start, don’t worry – this beginner’s guide has got you covered. I’ll take you through the basics, from choosing the right plants and materials to setting up your vertical garden and caring for your plants. Get ready to elevate your garden game and create a stunning, space-saving garden that’s sure to impress.
Check out my YouTube video below for the whole scoop on vertical gardening & how it will benefit you!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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“My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. ” Andrew Weil
Check out my easy YouTube video tutorial on how to properly plant invasive herbs such as mint, oregano, & thyme so they don’t overtake your gardens!
Supplies you’ll need:
Large planter Ground cover or landscape fabric to line the inside of the planter 2 cups of pea gravel Enough organic potting mix to fill the planter leaving about 2 inches of head space 1 perennial herb plant of your choice such as mint, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I am an avid birder! I love to watch the birds, and I’ve always included my kids with that. We have a couple bird books where we date the first sightings of any birds we’ve seen.
Be sure to check out my blog on Feeding the Birds!
As the weather starts to warm up and the flowers start to bloom we are not the only ones getting excited! Another exciting part about spring is the arrival of hummingbirds is just around the corner. These tiny and colorful birds are a delight to watch as they flit around our yards, sipping nectar from flowers and feeders.
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, now is the time to start preparing. Setting up a hummingbird feeder is a great way to provide a source of food for these beautiful creatures and enjoy their presence throughout the season. But when is the best time to start setting up your feeder? In today’s episode, I’ll describe the best practices for getting ready for hummingbird season & share some tips on how to attract these amazing little wonders to your yard.
So, get ready to welcome the hummingbirds and create a beautiful and vibrant habitat in your backyard.
To learn all the tips & tricks on Getting Ready for Hummingbird Season: When to Start Setting Up Your Feeders, watch my YouTube Video below!
“In our society growing food ourselves has become the most radical of acts. It is truly the only effective protest, one that can ―and will ― overturn the corporate powers that be. By the process of directly working in harmony with nature, we do the one thing most essential to change the world ― we change ourselves.” ― Jules Dervaes
Strawberries are a really easy & delicious fruit for the home gardener to grow! Even if you don’t have a garden, you grow these beauties in a container. You may not be able to overwinter them if you live where the snow flies, but in warmer climates, you bet you can.
Strawberries are also a fun thing to have the kids help you grow… and boy oh boy, do they love the harvest. I’ll be sharing with you my recipe for Homemade Freezer Strawberry Jam at my blog today as well, so be sure to head over there for more on strawberries!
“From plants that wake when others sleep, from timid jasmine buds that keep their odor to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about. ” Thomas Moore
Over the years I’ve shown you oodles of photo’s of my gardens, and have always stressed my love of the cottage garden. That love has not waned once over the years. I have always been fascinated with the charm of a cottage garden. And what better way to create a stunning cottage garden than by incorporating pollinator-friendly plants in it?
In today’s blog post, I’ll start by walking you through the steps to create a beautiful cottage style pollinator garden with both annuals and perennials.
But before we get rolling, be sure to SUBSCIBE below so you don’t miss an episode!
One of the main reasons I’ve always been drawn to the cottage garden is its informal and relaxed appearance, along with a mix of colorful flowers and foliage plants. These gardens are often associated with old-world charm, and the inclusion of pollinator-friendly plants can make them even more appealing.
Pollinator gardens are designed to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, which help in pollinating plants, ensuring a bountiful harvest, and keeping the ecosystem in balance.
Let’s Look at the Importance of Pollinator Gardens
Pollinator gardens are essential for supporting the health and survival of our planet’s ecosystem. According to the Pollinator Partnership, pollinators are responsible for over 75% of the world’s food crops, and without them, our food supply would be severely impacted.
Pollinators are also crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our planet, as they help in the reproduction of plants, which in turn provide food, shelter, and habitat for other wildlife.
What are the Benefits of Using Both Annuals and Perennials in Your Garden?
Annuals and perennials are two types of plants that can be used in pollinator gardens. Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season, where perennials come back year after year. It’s beneficial to incorporate both as annuals usually fill in with blooms in between the bloom cycles of your perennials.
Using a mix of both annuals and perennials in your garden can provide several benefits. Annuals bloom all season long, providing a continuous source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Perennials, on the other hand, provide a more stable source of food and habitat for pollinators.
Let’s Design Your Cottage Style Pollinator Garden!
Designing a cottage style pollinator garden is all about creating an informal, relaxed atmosphere. You can achieve this by incorporating a mix of plants with different heights, textures, and colors.
To create a natural-looking garden, you can plant in irregular groups or drifts, rather than in straight rows. You can also include features such as a birdbath or a small pond to attract birds and other wildlife. I love to use garden art in my gardens. I even have an antique lightning rod!
Consider these factors as well:
Is your garden up against a wall or does it have a backdrop? If so, you want to be sure to have your taller plants placed in the rear, cascading downward in height as you move towards the front of your garden.
Is your garden located in an area where it can be walked around on all sides? If so, you will want the tallest plants placed in the center, then cascading downward to the edges.
Selecting the Right Plants for Your Garden
When selecting plants for your garden, it’s essential to choose varieties native to your region. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and less reliant on fertilizers and pesticides.
Some excellent choices for a cottage style pollinator garden include lupines, foxglove, hollyhocks, peonies, coneflowers, black-eyed susans, bee balm, and milkweed. These plants are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators and are relatively easy to grow.
Before planting your garden, it is essential to create a planting plan. This plan should take into account the size and shape of your garden, the location of existing plants and features, and the sun and soil conditions.
If it’s a brand new garden spot, then you’ll still need to design this in order to utilize your space and be sure not to over plant. I recommend if this is a new garden you fill in the empty spaces with annuals so it looks full and beautiful. The perennials will fill in the following year.
Start by drawing a rough sketch of your garden, including any existing plants or features. Then, decide on the placement of your pollinator-friendly plants, considering factors such as height, texture, and color.
Once you have a rough plan in place, you can refine it by selecting specific varieties of plants and determining the number of plants needed for each area
Another factor is if you are partial to particular colors. I personally prefer pinks, purples, blues, and whites. I tend to be drawn to plants in those colors. Use what makes you happy and fits into the scheme of things for your gardens.
Some Final Tips for a Successful Pollinator Garden!
Remember to choose plants that are native to your region, create a planting plan, and care for your garden regularly. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the beauty and diversity of your garden!
Here are some of my favorite flowers to incorporate for pollinator gardening. Take into consideration I am a cottage gardener, so these flowers are well suited to that style. This is by far not an exhaustive list, more so a list of mine & Tim’s personal faves! Pollinator’s aren’t just for bees, I grow some of these specifically for my little feathered friends. Also, my garden themes generally incorporate purples, pinks, blues, and white. I don’t use very many red, and I don’t really include orange or yellow with the exception of Black Eyed Susan’s.
Annuals include:
Cosmos
Mexican Sunflower
Milkweed
Verbena
Zinnias
Sunflowers~ I like to incorporate a row of these in the back of my garden so the blue jays can harvest the seeds once they’ve developed.
Perennials include:
Purple Coneflower or Echinechea~ I don’t cut back the seed heads as goldfinches feast on these in the fall and throughout the winter months.
Alliums
Bee Balm
Black Eyed Susans
Liatris
Lavender
Lupine
Lavender~ my lavender plants are generally covered with honey bees while in bloom. I just love to hear the buzz of the little guys.
Any variety of mint~ this serves two purposes… one for me to make yummy mint tea, and one for the bees!
Join Jean & Tim as they connect for their Spring Garden Talk.
This month Tim & Jean will be discussing the importance of creating natural habitats and pollinator gardens. Learn the importance of incorporating native plants to your area specifically along with specific pollinator plants.
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
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Happy Day,
Jean
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“Maybe a person’s time would be as well spent raising food as raising money to buy food.“ ― Frank A Clark
Over the years I have grown just about everything possible for my growing zone with the exception of fruit trees. I’ve had an apple tree, but I dare not say I am an expert in this field of horticulture.
My specialty has always been heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on tomatoes and lettuces.
I often talk about my childhood and growing up with my grandmother and mother in the kitchen and our gardens. They are very fond memories that I truly love to share. We always had a beautiful, well kept little vegetable garden in our backyard, which included both raspberries and strawberries. My grandmother never grew blueberries though. She said they took up too much space. Space she didn’t have to give up.
I have personally grown all of these delicious fruits and today I’m going to touch on raspberries. If you missed last week’s blog post on How-to Grow Grapes & Care for Them, check that out as well!
If you are looking to add some delicious and nutritious berries to your garden, then look no further than raspberries! These juicy, sweet berries are easier to grow and care for than you may think that many home gardeners enjoy in their gardens.
In today’s blog post, I will walk you through all the tips & tricks you’ll need to know about planting raspberries, from choosing the right variety and caring for your new berry bushes. We’ll cover all the basics, including when and where to plant, how to space your plants, and what kind of soil and nutrients your raspberries will need to thrive. So whether you’re a novice or die hard gardener, read on to learn how to grow your own delicious raspberries and enjoy fresh, sweet berries all summer long!
Let’s get planting those raspberries!
What Variety of Raspberry Should I Choose?
Before you start planting raspberries, it’s important to choose the right variety for your garden. There are two main types of raspberries: summer-bearing and everbearing. Summer-bearing raspberries produce one large crop in early summer, while everbearing raspberries produce a smaller crop in early summer and a second, smaller crop in fall.
When choosing a raspberry variety, consider your climate and growing conditions. Some varieties do better in certain areas than others. For example, some varieties of raspberries are more cold-hardy than others and can withstand harsh winter conditions. Other varieties are more resistant to certain pests and diseases.
Here are some popular raspberry varieties to consider:
Heritage: A popular variety of everbearing raspberries that produces sweet, juicy berries. Heritage raspberries are hardy and disease-resistant, making them a good choice for gardeners in colder climates.
Caroline: Another popular everbearing variety, Caroline raspberries are known for their large, firm berries and disease resistance.
Tulameen: A popular summer-bearing raspberry variety, Tulameen raspberries are known for their large, sweet berries and high yield.
When and where do I plant my raspberries?
Raspberries should be planted in early spring or fall, when the soil is cool and moist. Planting in the heat of summer can stress the plants and make it harder for them to establish roots. When choosing a location for your raspberry bushes, look for a spot that gets at least six hours of sun per day and has well-draining soil.
It’s also important to choose a location that is free from competing plants and weeds. Raspberries can be quite aggressive and will quickly spread and take over an area if not properly maintained.
Planting raspberries – Step by Step Guide
Once you’ve chosen your raspberry variety and prepared your soil, it’s time to plant your bushes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting raspberries:
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your raspberry plant.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
Tamp down the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
When planting raspberries, it’s important to space your plants properly. Raspberries should be spaced about 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart. This will give your plant
Pruning raspberry plants
Proper pruning is essential for healthy raspberry plants and good fruit production. Raspberries should be pruned twice per year: once in late winter or early spring, and again after harvest.
In late winter or early spring, prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Then, thin out any weak or spindly canes, leaving only the strongest, healthiest canes.
After harvest, prune out all of the canes that produced fruit. These canes will not produce fruit again and should be removed to make room for new growth.
Pruning raspberry plants properly is essential!
Proper pruning is essential for healthy raspberry plants and good fruit production. Raspberries should be pruned twice per year: once in late winter or early spring, and again after harvest.
In late winter or early spring, prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Then, thin out any weak or spindly canes, leaving only the strongest, healthiest canes.
After harvest, prune out all of the canes that produced fruit. These canes will not produce fruit again and should be removed to make room for new growth.
Harvesting and storing raspberries
Raspberries are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and easily detach from the plant. Harvest your raspberries in the morning, when they are cool and dry, to help prevent bruising.
Raspberries are best eaten fresh but can also be frozen or canned for later use. To freeze raspberries, simply wash and dry them, then spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Common mistakes to avoid in raspberry planting and care
When planting and caring for raspberries, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Planting too close together: Raspberries need plenty of room to grow and should be spaced at least 2-3 feet apart.
Over-fertilizing: While raspberries do need regular fertilization, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak canes.
Pruning at the wrong time: Pruning at the wrong time of year can harm your raspberry plants and reduce fruit production.
Neglecting pest and disease control: Ignoring signs of pests or disease can quickly lead to a larger problem that is harder to control.
Stayed tuned for next weeks blog post on how to plant and care for blueberries!
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plate of pasta with tomato sauce on dark table, top view
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“Change the food in the schools and we can influence how children think. Change the curriculum and teach them how to garden and how to cook and we can show that growing food and cooking and eating together give lasting richness, meaning, and beauty to our lives.” ― Alice Waters
If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I am an advocate for kids in the garden. Over the years, you’ve watched my children grow in my gardens helping to build new raised beds, harvesting the crops, and finally helping prepare the fruits of our labors in the kitchen.
I believe every school in the country should have a school garden in order to teach our children where food comes from. I will be discussing in upcoming blogs how to incorporate kids in the garden, as well as the anonymity of food in our culture today. This is the main reason why I think it is crucial to incorporate school gardens!’
Thankfully, school gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Incorporating a garden into a school’s curriculum can have a range of benefits for students, teachers, and the wider community.
In today’s blog post, I am going to provide you with the many benefits of incorporating a school garden and why it’s a worthwhile investment for any educational institution.
Now let’s look at the many benefits school gardens can have!
Let’s Look at the Academic Benefits of School Gardens!
School gardens have the ability to provide a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about science, math, and other subjects. For example, students can learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of pollination, and the role of soil nutrients in plant growth. They can also use math skills to measure the growth of plants and calculate the amount of water and fertilizer needed.
School gardens also provide an opportunity to help students develop critical thinking skills as they problem-solve and make decisions about garden design, plant selection, and pest management.
Besides enhancing academic learning, school gardens can also foster teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Students can work in groups to plan and plant the garden, share responsibilities for watering and weeding, and harvest the produce. They can also take on leadership roles by leading garden tours, organizing fundraising events, and teaching younger students about gardening. Through these activities, students can develop a sense of responsibility, confidence, and teamwork.
What are Some of the Potential Health Benefits of School Gardens?
School gardens can promote healthy eating habits and improve overall health. When kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables, they now have the opportunity to learn about the nutritional value of different foods and develop a taste for fresh, healthy produce. They can also learn about the benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and the importance of balanced diets.
School gardens can help address issues of food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits among students and their families. The produce grown in the garden can be used in school meals or donated to local food banks, providing fresh and nutritious food to those in need. By involving families in the garden project, schools can also encourage parents and caregivers to incorporate healthy foods into their own meals.
And let’s face it… kids are more likely to try something they decided to grow!
What are Some of the Potential Environmental Benefits of School Gardens?
School gardens can promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices. By learning about the importance of soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, students can develop a sense of stewardship for the environment. They can also learn about the impact of human activities on the environment and ways to reduce their ecological footprint.
Moreover, school gardens can provide habitat for wildlife and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. By planting native species and avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, school gardens can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
This is another opportunity to teach kids about the benefits of organic gardening and incorporating companion planting, rather than using harmful chemicals.
Can the Local Community Benefit From School Gardens?
The answer to this question is a responding YES! School gardens have the ability to serve as a valuable resource for the wider community. By donating produce to local food banks or hosting community events such as farmers’ markets or garden tours, schools can help promote healthy eating habits and support local food systems.
They can also serve as a gathering place for community members, fostering social connections and community involvement.
School gardens can also provide opportunities for intergenerational learning and mentorship. By involving older adults or community members with gardening experience, schools can create meaningful connections between generations and promote lifelong learning.
That Sounds Great! Now, How can I Help Start a School Garden in my Community?
Starting a school garden can seem daunting, but with the right resources and support, it can be a rewarding and successful project. Here are some steps to get started:
Get support from school administrators, teachers, and parents. Starting a school garden requires buy-in from all stakeholders, as well as support for funding and maintenance.
Find a suitable location for the garden. Look for a sunny, well-drained area with access to water and close to the school. Ensure that the site is safe and accessible for students.
Develop a garden plan. Consider the garden’s size, layout, and design, as well as the types of plants to grow. Involve students in the planning process to ensure that the garden reflects their interests and needs.
Secure funding and resources. Look for grants, donations, or partnerships with local organizations or businesses to support the garden’s development and maintenance.
Involve students in the garden project. Encourage students to take ownership of the garden by involving them in the planning, planting, and maintenance. Provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork.
Integrate the garden into the curriculum. Use the garden as a teaching tool to support academic learning and promote healthy lifestyles.
We Have Our School Garden! Now, How Do We Maintain It?
Maintaining a school garden requires ongoing care and attention. Here are some tips to keep the garden healthy and productive:
Develop a maintenance plan. Create a schedule for watering, weeding, fertilizing, and pest management. Involve students in the maintenance activities to ensure that they take ownership of the garden.
Provide ongoing support and training for teachers and volunteers. Ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to maintain the garden and address any issues that may arise.
Use sustainable practices. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, and use organic methods for weed and pest control. Compost garden waste to improve soil health.
Involve the wider community. Encourage families and community members to volunteer in the garden and participate in events such as harvest festivals or farmers’ markets.
What are Some Curriculum Ideas for School Gardens?
School gardens can be integrated into a range of subjects and learning activities. Here are some curriculum ideas for school gardens:
Science: Learn about plant growth, soil health, and the life cycle of plants.
Math: Use the garden to teach measurement, geometry, and data analysis.
Language arts: Write garden journals, poetry, or stories about the garden.
Social studies: Learn about the history of agriculture, food systems, and cultural traditions related to gardening.
Art: Use the garden as inspiration for art projects such as painting, sculpture, or photography.
Nutrition: Learn about the nutritional value of different fruits and vegetables, and use the garden to prepare healthy meals and snacks.
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“ Growing your own fruit at home is a wonderful treat and a huge money saver. Homegrown food of any kind tastes delicious and being able to go outside and pick fresh fruit from a tree is something everyone should experience.” ― Julio Belson
You may think growing grapes is for those who want to make wine. Well, that is only one of many reasons you would grow grapes. I had a beautiful grape arbor of just four vines to make my own grape juice and jellies. I never used any of them for wine, however that’s not to say you can’t.
So let’s get started! Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to plant your own grape arbor and to care for them!
So why bother growing grapes you ask? Well, maybe you’re someone who enjoys gardening and wants to try something new. Planting grapes and building a grape arbor can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you have fresh grapes to enjoy, but you’ll also have a beautiful addition to your garden or backyard.
But how do you get started? In today’s Gardening 101, I’m going to walk you through the steps of planting grapes, building an arbor, and caring for your grapevines. From selecting the right variety of grapes to pruning and harvesting, I’ll cover everything you need to know to create a thriving grapevine. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started on creating your very own grape arbor.
How do I decide the perfect location for my grapes?
The first step in planting grapes is selecting the perfect location. Grapevines need plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and protection from strong winds. Ideally, you should choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. You’ll also want to make sure the area is protected from strong winds, as this can damage the vines and reduce grape production.
When selecting the location for your grapevines, consider the size of the area you have available. Grapevines can grow quite large, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough space to accommodate them. If you’re planting more than one vine, you’ll want to space them at least six feet apart to allow for optimal growth. Keep in mind that grapevines can also be trained to climb trellises or arbors, which can help save space and create a beautiful focal point in your garden.
What’s the right grape variety for me?
There are hundreds of grape varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and growing requirements. When selecting grape varieties, consider your climate, soil type, and personal taste preferences. Some popular grape varieties for home gardeners include Concord, Niagara, and Thompson Seedless. These varieties are easy to grow and produce delicious grapes that are perfect for eating fresh or making wine. I grew the Concord variety due to what I wanted to make with my grapes. Take into consideration what you are going to do with them.
If you’re looking for a specific flavor or want to grow grapes for wine-making, do your research to find the best variety for your needs. Some grape varieties are better suited for cooler climates, while others thrive in warmer temperatures. You’ll also want to consider the type of soil you have, as some grape varieties prefer sandy soils while others do better in loamy or clay soils.
Once you’ve selected your grape varieties, it’s time to prepare the soil for planting.
Now it’s time to build your grape arbor!
This photo was my grape arbor at my farm.
A grape arbor is a beautiful and functional addition to any garden or backyard. It provides support for your grapevines to climb on, as well as a shaded area to relax and enjoy your grapes. To build a grape arbor, start by selecting the right materials.
You’ll need sturdy wooden posts. I recommend using 4x4x8 pressure-treated pine posts. I used hog paneling for my grapes to grow on. They are easy to attach to the posts with U shaped nails and are heavy-duty enough to withstand the weight of the vines when weighed down with the grape clusters. You can also add decorative elements such as lattice panels or climbing plants to make your arbor even more beautiful. Metal twine also works, but it will rust quickly and evenly break in a few years. I don’t recommend the wire for anything you want long term.
PRO TIP: The key thing to remember when choosing your material for the grapes to grow on is allowance for your hand to go through the holes to harvest the grapes, as well as the grape clusters to grow through!
To build the arbor, start by digging holes for the posts at least two feet deep. Set the posts in the holes and fill with concrete to secure them in place. I use Quikrete because it dries quickly.
Once the posts are set, attach the material you chose for the grapes to grow on. If you use the metal wire, attach to the top of each post and stretch it across to the other side, securing it with nails or screws. Repeat this process until you have created a grid of wires or twine for the grapevines to climb on.
When can I plant my grape vines and how do I?
Grapevines can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate and grape variety. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the grapevine’s root ball. Gently loosen the roots and place the vine in the hole, making sure the soil is level with the surrounding ground. Plant each vine centered between the two posts, only one for each 6 foot section.
The vine will more than likely not be long enough to reach the bottom of your new trellis or arbor. You will need to watch, and as it grows, carefully begin training it onto the material you choose to grow your grapes on. You can use garden tape in the beginning to secure the vine onto the fencing. This will help the vine grow upward and make it easier to prune and harvest the grapes.
After planting, water your grapevines thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. I recommend you purchase a bale of straw for each vine and spread it out evenly about 2 feet wide between each 6 foot section.
Grapevine care and maintenance
To ensure your grapevines grow and produce healthy grapes, it’s important to provide proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control.
Grapevines need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Aim to water your grapevines at least once a week, giving them a deep soaking to encourage deep root growth. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the vines to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilizing is also important for grapevine growth and grape production. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 blend, and apply it in the spring and early summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced grape production.
Pruning is essential for grapevine growth and grape production. In the winter, prune your grape vines by removing any dead or damaged wood, as well as any shoots that grew from the base of the plant. You’ll also want to thin out any overcrowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure. During the growing season, remove any new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant to encourage upward growth.
Finally, it’s important to protect your grapevines from pests and diseases. Common grapevine pests include aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. You can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control these pests, or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings. To prevent diseases such as powdery mildew or black rot, make sure your grapevines have good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Now it’s time to harvest & enjoy your grapes!
After all your hard work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Grapes are typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, depending on the grape variety and climate. To harvest grapes, simply cut the grape clusters from the vine using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
You can enjoy your grapes fresh, or use them to make juice, jelly, or wine. There are many resources available for home winemakers, so do some research to find the best method for your needs.
PRO TIP: Your grapes will be able to endure a light frost, and being frosted will make them sweeter!
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