Where is the best place to grow grapes? Perhaps you are thinking of planting a vine or two, hoping for a sweet harvest to eat out of hand. Maybe you are considering testing your skill at wine making with grapes you have grown yourself. You will probably be happy to know that you do not have to uproot your family and move to France to successfully grow grapes! It is quite likely that there is a great place to grow grape vines as close as your own back yard.
There are three things to consider if you are looking for the best place to grow grapes:
1. Climate - Elements such as the minimum and maximum temperature range, the amount of rainfall, the average humidity, and the number of hours of sunlight each day will determine if a location is suitable for growing grapes. Generally speaking, grapes need at least 170 sunny, frost free days warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ripen. There is some variation among different cultivars in the length of the growing season needed; you can choose a variety that your climate is suitable for.
2. Soil - Grapes will grow well in most soil types, even gravelly or loamy ones, as long as there is good drainage. The only soil that your grape vines will not grow well in is heavy clay.
3. Space - It is not necessary to be able to support a vineyard to enjoy an adequate harvest for home use; grapes can be grown from pots on a deck if space is really at a premium. But since grape vines are capable of living and producing a nice crop for 50 - 100 years, you will probably want to find a sunny spot in your yard to plant them. For back yard grape growing, your vines will do well if they are planted 9 feet apart.
When you have considered the role that climate, soil, and space play in growing great grapes and someone asks, "Where is the best place to grow grapes?" you will be able to confidently answer, "Almost anywhere!"
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