How to Grow Grapes in a Container
Want to grow your own grapes? Have a go at growing your own vine in a container if you don’t have a lot of space. Ideally October through to March is the optimum time of year to begin. Don’t start in a smallish container and repot as the plant grows, begin with a container one metre across by one metre deep. This should be good for years to come.
Drill drainage holes in the bottom and place a couple of inches of stones, rubble, grit, broken clay pots etc before filling with good quality potting compost with a mix of grit and very well rotted garden compost. Pure potting compost on its own tends to dry out too quickly whereas the grit and compost add ‘body’ and assist with drainage.
Some people make the mistake of planting then attempt to add a trellis later as the plant grows. You might damage the plant roots doing this so install trellis when first planting. Tease out any compacted roots carefully before you bury the root-ball. Grapes throw out wide and deep roots so the larger container will encourage it to create a good root system over the first two years of its life.
Once the vine has begun to thrive ensure you add top dressing each spring to ‘pep’ up the compost. Carefully remove the top couple of inches of compost and replace with fresh supply and continue to to water and feed as required throughout growing season.
As it develops and grows you will have to choose the canes that will be trained along the trellis and which will in time bear the bunches of fruit. At this stage you need to master the art of pruning. Don’t worry though, it is not difficult to learn so study a good book or video series to get a handle on how it is done.
After years two and three your plant should ideally be splayed out on the trellis in a similar fashion to how a peacock displays it wonderful feathers. As further seasons pass by and a stronger root system develops the plant should be able to support larger crops of so more buds can be left on to become bunches and ultimately heavier crops to harvest.
Growing your very own grapes is not difficult and so rewarding it is well worth trying it. But educate yourself. It will pay dividends in the long run in better yield and fewer problems.
