How to Build a Support for Grape Vines
Grapes grow on vines that require support to thrive. A grape vine will not grow properly on the soil and will not support its own weight. Building supports for grape vines is vital to the proper development of the plant. Build the grape vine supports at the time of planting or at the beginning of the second growing season at the latest. These supports aid in the training and pruning that is necessary to grow grapes.
Use a post hole digger to create a hole 3 feet deep at the end of each row of grape vines. Work down the row, creating holes for each post. Space the posts 16 to 24 feet apart.
- Grapes grow on vines that require support to thrive.
- Use a post hole digger to create a hole 3 feet deep at the end of each row of grape vines.
Place a post in each hole. Use a shovel to fill in the hole, and compact the dirt around the post to secure it in place. Repeat this process until you have secured all of the posts.
Place a single 3 ½- to 4-foot stake next to each grape vine to support it. Use a hammer to drive the stake 6 to 12 inches into the ground.
Tie the grape vine with twine to this stake. This provides support for straight growth of the grape vine trunk. This is necessary until the grape vine reaches the bottom wire on the support. Repeat this process for each grape vine.
- Place a post in each hole.
- Place a single 3 ½- to 4-foot stake next to each grape vine to support it.
Connect heavy-gauge wire (No. 9 or above) to each end post 3 feet and 5 feet (top of post) above the ground. Run the wires to the other end of the row, connecting them to the other end post and any posts along the row at the same heights.
Train each grape vine to grow onto the lower and upper wires as it matures. Use additional twine to connect the grape vine to the wire.
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Diane Dilov-Schultheis has been writing professionally since 2000. She is a food and travel writer who also specializes in gaming, satellites, RV repair, gardening, finances and electronics. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and has been published online at the Travel Channel and Intel.
