Grapes ๐
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Grapes: How to Grow Productive Grape Vines with the Right Care and Nutrition
Whether you’re growing table grapes, wine varieties, or ornamental vines, healthy grape production starts with the right fertiliser, setup, and long-term care. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plant, train, and feed grapevines for high yields in Australian conditions.
Best Conditions to Grow Grapes in Australia
Grapes grow vigorously when planted in the right position and soil. Choose an open, sunny location with free drainage and plenty of room for vine spread.
- Sunlight: Grapes need full sun (6+ hours daily). Avoid shaded areas.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.5โ8.0) is ideal.
- Spacing: Allow 2โ3 metres between vines, with rows 3 metres apart for airflow.
- Water: Deep weekly watering while vines are establishing. Avoid frequent surface watering.
How to Prepare Soil for Grapes (No Compost Needed)
- Clear existing vegetation and loosen the soil to a depth of 40cm
- Blend native soil with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 (mixed at 4 mL per litre of water) to establish root-zone fertility
- Ensure soil drains freelyโavoid areas prone to pooling or waterlogging
Planting Steps:
- Dig a hole wide and deep enough for the root system (approx. 40โ50cm)
- Set the vine so the graft (if present) sits just above the soil line
- Backfill with native soil and firm in gently
- Water in thoroughly with diluted NPK 20-20-20 to help settle roots and reduce transplant stress


How to Support and Train Grape Vines for Strong, Fruit-Bearing Growth
Grapes grow on long canes that need structured support. A proper trellis or wire system ensures vines grow upward, with maximum airflow and sunlight for optimal fruit quality.Best Trellis Types for Grapes:
- Single Wire Cordon: One main horizontal wire 1.5m above ground; easy for home gardeners.
- Double Wire: Two wires at 1m and 1.6m for better shoot management.
- Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP): Ideal for wine grapes; involves several wires to guide upward shoots.
- Arbours/Pergolas: Great for table grapes and shaded walkways.
How to String & Train Vines:
- Install timber posts at ends and middle of rows
- Run galvanised or poly-coated wire tightly between posts
- Tie young canes to the wire using soft twine or jute tiesโnever plastic or zip ties
- As the vine grows, remove extra shoots and select 1โ2 strong vertical leaders


Fertiliser Schedule for Grape Vines Using CompleteGrow Products
Grapes are heavy feeders once fruiting begins. But over-fertilising with nitrogen can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.Yearly Feeding Plan:
- Spring (Bud Burst โ Early Shoots):
Apply NPK 20-20-20 every 2 weeks at 4 mL per litre to support balanced early growth. - Pre-Flowering to Fruit Set:
Switch to NPK 4-18-38 + Cal-Mag every 10โ14 days to boost fruit development and colour. - Summer (Fruit Maturation):
Continue 4-18-38 fortnightly. Avoid nitrogen-heavy products to prevent vine softness or late-season mildew. - Autumn (Post-Harvest):
Apply one final dose of 20-20-20 to replenish nutrients and prepare roots for dormancy.
Pruning Guide:
- Winter: Prune 80% of old growth. Keep 1โ2 canes per arm and shorten to 2โ4 bud spurs (spur pruning) or longer canes if training for wine grapes (cane pruning).
- Summer: Tip prune and remove excess foliage to open up airflow and sunlight around fruit.
General Care Tips:
- Train vines with consistent tying and shaping in the first 2 years
- Use mulch (gravel or bark) to reduce weed pressure and retain moisture
- Drip irrigation is bestโwater deeply but infrequently
- Remove diseased leaves and watch for powdery mildew or downy mildew
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