Pruning Grapes – The Key to Grape Success

Pruning grapes is really an art and takes a lot of commitment. The pruning process will lead to successful grape growing as it literally weeds out all possible problems and the result will be a healthy, compact easy to harvest grape vine. Grapes are a delicate but hearty crop and trying to keep them tame can really take some work. Once you get into a routine though grape pruning can be very satisfying and the results can be very gratifying as well. There is nothing quite as rewarding as a good bunch of grapes.

Luckily, in the case of pruning grapes you can pretty much take the first year off. It is only at the end of the first year that grapes begin to need attending to. During the first year let them grow any old way they want. This is the grape vines opportunity to go all crazy and shoots vines and stems and leaves wherever they want. This is good for you’re the grower because you will have ample opportunity to shape those unruly vines into whatever you like. It will also help the plants grow a sufficient root system to support the plant as it matures. So for the first year, let it be!

After the first year pruning grapes becomes your most important maintenance item next to watering and sunlight. During the winter of the first year when the plant is dormant you should begin your pruning process. Look for the strongest stem on each plant. Once you have identified the best stem, get rid of all the other stems at the base of the plant. This stem is going to be the trunk of the plant. Allow other stems to grow out of this new trunk for the next year. In the spring of the second year remove all but two of the new shoots from the trunk.

Now pruning grapes takes on a new light. In the midsummer of the second year the vines should reach the height you are aiming for. Keep snipping off the tip at the top of the plants. This forces new growth along the trunk of the plant. Now for the next couple of years keep the plants trimmed as desired. Remove any dead leaves or unwanted stalks. During all dormant seasons keep everything short so new growth can occur during the spring and summer. There you have it.