Growing grapevines

Grapevines make wonderful climbers to scramble over a wall or clothe a shed in green. In our garden centre you'll find varieties for sweet dessert grapes straight off the vine, and others for making deliciously fruity wine. Growing a grapevine outside in the garden isn't difficult: here's how.

Planting: dig plenty of organic matter into the soil, as grapevines are vigorous plants. Plant 15cm from the wall, to avoid the dry area at the base, and tie in loosely to a stake. Back fill, adding a handful of slow-release fertiliser, and water in well.

Pruning: grapes are pruned in December, when they're dormant, as they 'bleed' sap if pruned in summer. Leave your vine to grow for a year or two, then choose one shoot to train as the leader and snip back side shoots to five or six leaves to encourage plenty of fruit.

Please ask our friendly staff for more information and advice about growing grapevines.