Overview:
By Nicole Callicutt
Each week, Signal Akron will help you in your gardening adventures with an excerpt from "The Root of It," a monthly newsletter from the Summit County Master Gardeners, Ohio State University Extension.
With 8,000 years of cultivation and a myriad of applications, grapes (Vitis vinifera) are a great addition to a backyard garden.
Whether for wines, table eating, cooking, jams, grape seed oil, medicinal effects, or even their edible leaves – think dolmades – grapes have a lot to offer. They bring depth and aesthetic interest to the landscape and deserve consideration when planting today’s edible gardens.
Growing grapes in Ohio
Northeast Ohio’s cool springs and gentle falls create the perfect climate for growing several common varieties, and winter hardy American and French hybrids work best. Some cultivars to consider are Candice, Mars and Suffolk Red. In addition to cultivar selection, other considerations include location, management techniques and the time involved.
Plant grapes in a location with full sun for at least seven to eight hours a day. Grapes require a minimum of 155 to 160 frost-free growing days for optimal fruit production. Plant in early spring to establish a good root system before winter. If planting in the fall, plant six weeks before the first frost to allow root growth before the ground starts to freeze.
Grapes have deep root systems – at least 36 inches deep, so good drainage is very important. They like warm soil – use caution when mulching after plants have become established. Because of a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.5 and high potassium requirements, expect to apply soil amendments such as lime. Soil test to determine needs.
A labor of love that takes time
Grapes spend their first two years establishing roots and shoots. A trellis support is necessary and should be constructed within the first year to manipulate the shoots. Trellis systems keep the vines off the ground, allow for air movement and give more exposure to sunlight. Pruning – also vital to the success of a grape crop – increases the quality of grapes produced and allow for abundant vegetative growth for the next season.
During the third year, growers can expect a small harvest from the grape crop, meaning pest management strategies should be employed at this time. There are several types of pests, such as beetles and mites, to look for when growing grapes.
Grape berry moths are one of the most common pests of Ohio grape crops. According to The Ohio State University website, “if left unmanaged up to 90% of the fruit may be destroyed.” The grape berry moth’s pupa overwinters on the leaf, then the larvae burrow into the grape in warmer weather, so identification during the larvae stage is vital to pest management.
Disease management is essential to any healthy crop and grapes are no different. Black rot, caused by bacteria, as well as botrytis bunch rot and powdery mildew, caused by fungi, are a few of the common diseases growers can encounter. There are no truly disease-resistant grape cultivars; however, look for ones developed to avoid pest and disease issues.