Training Grapevines
Year 1:
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Allow the cutting (young grapevine) to grow freely.
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Identify the strongest shoot that will become the trunk. Tie this shoot to the vertical support post.
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Limit its height to 5–6 feet to encourage strong root and stem development.
Year 2: Selecting and Supporting Shoots
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Choose the strongest one or two shoots from the base. These shoots will become the permanent arms of the plant that will support the grapes.
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Gently tie the tip of each shoot to the lowest wire of your support structure using kitchen string.
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Tip: Avoid tying too tightly to prevent damage and to allow thickening of the plant.
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Remove any grapes that begin to form this year. This ensures the plant’s energy goes into growth rather than fruit production.
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If a shoot reaches the second wire, tie it up in the same gentle manner.
First year plant
Tying mature plants
Mature plants with trunks tied and arms supported horizontally
Mid-Summer Pruning
Mid-season pruning is very important and has many benefits:
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Encourages Healthy Growth: Pruning helps the vine to focus its energy on fruit production rather than on excessive foliage.
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Improves Air Circulation: By removing excess leaves and shoots, summer pruning enhances airflow around the grape clusters which reduces the risk of diseases.
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Enhances Fruit Quality: Proper pruning ensures that sunlight reaches the grape clusters which promotes even ripening and improves the flavour and quality of the grapes.
Year 1: No pruning required.
Year 2: In the middle of the second growing season, remove all but 1 or 2 leaders which will become the arms of the plant. Cut all other shoots to the edge of the main trunk.
Year 3 and Onwards: Remove excess length in shoots and remove foliage so that grape clusters are exposed to more sunlight. Remove any shoots from the base of the plant.
Prune any shoots or suckers at base.
Space shoots evenly.
Prune excess foliage and allow sunlight in