I've sent (by way of catalog) for a couple of grape vines (a white & a concord both seedless). How much do they grow in their first year? Will it need a support now or in a year or two? I'll be putting them in over-sized pots (not in ground), as I'm still renting. So this will be going with me (in a year or two) when we move. In all I ordered 1 Lapin sweet cherry (natural dwarf & self-fertile), 1 black & 1 white current bushes, 1 white grape seedless(Marquis I think), 1 seedless concord grape, & 6 black raspberries. Does anyone think any of these can't be kept in some over-sized pots for a couple of years? (I'm finely getting started on a small orchard.)

Thanks

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (jwlewis@indy.net), May 24, 2001

Answers

Response to Grapes

As I understand grapes they have a very deep root system. I found that the roots of grapes can penetrate 12 feet down. Of course this will take some time. The vines themselves can grow several feet in one year so they may need supporting the first year. I bought my grapes in pots that were about a gallon in size - but these are for transplanting. A couple books that may help are "Successful Berry Growing" by Gene Logsdon and "Backyard Fruits and Berries" by Bilderback and Patent. Logsdon also has a book on Organic Orchards. I'm in the process of learning too. I planted grapes last year and am in the process of putting in supports.

-- Tom S. (trdsshepard@yahoo.com), May 24, 2001.

Response to Grapes

Last fall, I took cuttings from a seedless grape and rooted it in a 5 gal. pot over the winter in my greenhouse. I planted it last week and the roots had filled the pot but it was not 'root bound'. I think that the pot size would have a lot to do with the success of the 'pot life' of any plant. Are you planning on keeping the raspberries in pots also?

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), May 24, 2001.

Response to Grapes

Hey, animal farms, I'm just starting on some grapes, myself. Mostly wine grapes, though.

Regardless, I would like to recommend Sunset's "Western Gardens". They have a whole section on when, and how, to prune your grape plants. Basically, after the first year's growth, it sez to select the healthiest shoot, and tie it up to a stake. Then, over the next two or three years, they tell you which shoots to cut off, and when, and how to shape is to maximize production and health.

Salud!

JOJ

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@ecoweb.net), May 24, 2001.

Response to Grapes

I planed on keeping them all in pots for maybe 2 years (3 at most but no more). It just depends on when we can move (renting now).

-- animalfarms (jwlewis@indy.net), May 24, 2001.

Response to Grapes

I had a grape vine in the front yard on a wood fencethe problem was afew feet away there was a dworf orange tree and on room fro the vine to grow the second year I desided to move it so I dug it up and moved it to the back yard where there was lots of room and (yes they do grow deep roots )I cut some of the root off and it lived I did this in the winter but Ilive in arizona where it dosn't snow so maybe in the spring for you . I only did this once maybe you can cut back the roots once a year but they will not grow grapes as long as you trim the roots. I wasn't sure if it would live.

good luck Lisa

-- Lisa Miller (ljmill35@aol.com), May 25, 2001.

Response to Grapes

One possibility would be to root prune after a year. That would keep the plants smaller the second year. I know you could get away with keeping them in oversized pots for the first year, but the second year could be more of a challenge. Good luck!

-- Sheryl in ME (radams@sacoriver.net), May 27, 2001.