Grape Trellis – What is it!

The best aspect behind grape growing is that they grow on a vine, with the help of a trellis. Since vines cant support themselves, the trellis gives them a place to hold on to; maximizing space usage. Because of this, grapevine growers can harvest grapes both in a vineyard, and in their own backyards.

The Trellis Explained

Since vines are not strong enough to maintain their weight, the trellis provides them with a surface to hold on to. Trellises exist in various styles: from beautiful decorative trellises to more functional do-it-yourself- structures. The array of shapes and sizes also varies, where the grape trellis can be made out of iron, pretreated wood, PVC pipes, aluminum or stainless steel ” and they can be homemade or store-bought. Even though grapevines climb on a trellis and are suitable for growing in yards, you will still need a space of about 8 ft by 8 ft for one single vine.

Trellis Construction Rules

A trellis should be constructed before the vine is planted into the ground. Normally, taller trellises are used in warmer climates. A trellis that is shorter has a better chance withstanding winter weather and makes it easier to prepare the grapevine for winter. Shorter trellises use posts that are about three feet high. Larger trellises require a post that is about eight feet high.

Trellis Location

Before you venture out to get a trellis for your grapevines, make sure you have determined its location beforehand. This way you can make the necessary measurements to order a trellis that fits well in its destination. Remember that, even though, grapevines maximize space by growing on a trellis, they still require a space of 8ft by 8ft for one single vine.

Building

Once you have mapped out the grapevines location, and had your trellis built you can begin digging the holes for its installment. Posts must be an average of 2 ft into the ground. You can either secure them in place using sand and cement, or you can tie them down to the ground using catch wires, Posts are set at a distance of 8ft apart, with two rows of galvanized steel running between the poles. One runs along the top of the posts, and one along the bottom, securing them together. You can use a staple gun to staple the wires in place.

When your vine is planted and it begins to grow it will grow up along the two main trellis wires with some coaxing on your part. You can use string or cloth to tie the vine to the wires. Using more wire to tie the shoot in place can sometimes damage the shoot.

Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on Grape Trellis Construction or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.