Growing grapes at your home, in your backyard or garden can be a very rewarding activity or hobby. Grapevines are so called "perennial plants" and can grow for many years. There are some things that need to be considered if you plan on growing grapes at home.
Grapes need a lot of sunshine so if you are planning to grow grapes at home, you need to plant them in a place that receives maximum sun for, at least, half the day. However, you need to know that grape vine roots like cool temperatures. You can keep the roots cool by placing stones or rocks over the roots so they are not exposed to direct sunlight. You can also try to mound the dried leaves that have been swept from your garden under the vines so that it keeps the roots cool. This way, you also get maximum use of the dried, fallen leaves as it gradually decays to become organic fertilizer.
Growing grapes at your home means you need to remember that grape vines need a good supply of water during the seasons of spring and summer. Grape vine should be watered at least once a week in areas where there is little rainfall. Watering should be continued until the cluster of berries form and begin to turn color. After the berries have turned color watering is not needed. Watering, at this stage, might actually slow the ripening process of the fruit. Once leaves have fallen during the fall, one major watering should be done before the ground freezes.
You also need to regularly prune the grape vines if you are plan on growing grapes. Regular pruning removes almost 90% of the previous year's growth of the vine. Pruning the vines when you are growing grapes keeps the vines in balanced and aids in controlling the crop and in the ripening of the fruit
Growing grapevines at home can be a nice hobby that will provide you and your family with delicious fresh grapes to eat or turn into jam, jellies, raisins or wine. If your main intention for growing grapes at home is to make wine, then you need to choose a grape variety suited for this purpose. For making raisins, the seedless variety is best.
If you are thinking of growing grapes at home, in your backyard or garden, make sure that you find a really sunny spot to plant them. Also, ensure that you choose the appropriate grape varieties, depending on what you will be using the grapes for. Growing grapes at home can prove to be rewarding if you remember to take good care of your vines.