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Fruit & Orchards

This is the first time growing grapes so need help with

16 years ago

fertilization recommendations for grapes, how often it should be applied, does the vine require mulch, and if so, what type is best. Also, I'll bet the birds will nip at the fruit as it enlarges in size, so should I cover it with a mesh or just hope that they won't eat every single grape on the vine LOL.

Thanks for your advice and help.

Vicki

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Comments (3)

whynotmi
16 years ago
Hi Vicki,

Another relatively new grape grower here. If you do a search in this forum for "grapes" (check out the search box at the bottom of the page) and read through the results you'll find TONS of great info. It's not as fast as just throwing a question out there I found it to be the best way of getting great info. I got answers to questions I didn't even know I had. :^)

Good graping!

Mike
jellyman
16 years ago
Vicki:

You need to talk to Herman, also of NJ, who is a long-time grape grower and used to post regularly until a dustup with a youngster from MA put him off. Herman has the varieties and care for grapes in NJ all figured out.

If you title a post something like "Grapes, Calling Herman", you might be able to get his attention. Or search out one of his old posts and send him an e-mail. There is a lot more to growing grapes in NJ than meets the eye.

I don't grow grapes here, except for one Concord for jellymaking, because the fungal problems are just too difficult for me. Herman has some varieties identified that seem to cause a lot less trouble.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA
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Scott F Smith
16 years ago
Fertilizer: none is really needed since they are tolerant of low-nutrient soils; I put a small bit of organic fertilizer (1/2 cup per vine each spring) as insurance in case they are low on magnesium or whatever. Too vigorous growth is more the problem in the east than too little.

Mulch: a good way to keep down weeds. Any mulch will work, I use composed wood chips. I like how the wood chips keep the soil more moist and make the grapes more drought-tolerant. Note that I generally do not water my vines.

Birds: Either netting the vines or bagging individual grape clusters may be needed depending on how hungry your birds are.

Scott

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