How to Train A Grape Vine, Thinning Grapes, Growing Grapes, Vegetable Gardening

How to Train a Grape Vine, Thinning Grapes, Growing Grapes, Vegetable Gardening

Now you have got past the epically long title.
I have been growing my Grape ‘Phoenix’ for the last 3 years. In that time it has been re potted a few times, and cane height has increased up to 8’. The whole time of growing the grape, I had in the back of my mind that I would make a proper ‘umbrella’ / ‘tabletop’ support for it, and have the grape as a proper show piece.
For those of you who have seen my previous posts, I made the copper frame at the start of 2020. For anyone interested then I have attached the link for that video, below.

How To Make A Copper, Garden, Obelisk or Plant Support. DIY. Essex, U.K. https://youtu.be/4Ws3_iwr-aU

Tools required for today’s task;
Clean and sharp secateurs,
Scissors or thinning snips
String or Jute
Plenty of time and patience

So how do I train a grape vine?
To create the vine framework.
I start by tying down the grape vine stems, onto the frame. Tie the stems so they are secured but without the string being tight that it cuts into the branches or stems. You want the stem to still be able to grow within the string.
Tying the stem will normally create enough tension that the stem doesn’t readily slide about.
If you need to create extra points onto which to tie the stems then use the string to run across the spans, and then tie the stems onto the newly created string support.
Once all stems are secure and in place, cut back any growth that is overhanging the framework. This final trim will promote new growth and thickening of the stems.

To thin the grapes.
Using thinning snips or sharp scissors.
The idea is to remove enough grapes so that the grapes that are left, will grow to a good size, be free of bruising and without just being a mouth full of seeds.
Start by removing any of the obviously small grapes, any that show signs of pest or fungal damage. Next, remove enough grapes so that the ones that are left on the bunch are not touching each other, and with space around them to grow into.
Realistically you will remove about half of the total number of grapes at this stage. Hopefully the grapes will continue to grow and to make good sizes. With the continued growth further thinning of grapes may be required.
As well as thinning the bunches of grapes, I also reduce the number of bunches that are left to grow on each stem. Again, this is something I was taught to do, but I have never not done it to see if indeed reducing bunch numbers makes any difference.
Anyway, hopefully the grapes will continue to actively grow and develop to be a very tasty crop and the effort will all pay off.

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