Want Large Home-Grown Grapes? Know What to Feed Them!

One of the keys of being successful when you are growing grapes at home is to understand that grapes need proper nutrition. That nutrition comes from the soil that they are planted in. As you begin your grape venture it is highly recommended that you have the soil analyzed where you have decided to plant your vineyard.

You can use a core sampler, a shovel or a trowel and take soil from 6 to 8 inches below the ground surface and have it analyzed. Send your soil samples to a soil analysis laboratory. These labs will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the organic matter and nutrient levels in your soil.

When you receive your analyses you may find that your soil needs nutrients, remember it is quite easy to add them; however, removing unwanted excess nutrients is much more difficult.

Whether you are growing grapes at home or have a commercial vineyard, you learn quickly that fertilizers are an essential element to a vibrant, healthy vineyard. Fertilizers are designed to provide the necessary nutrients your vines need.

Fertilizers generally provide these three primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Nitrogen is plentiful in the Earth's atmosphere; however, relatively few plants get all of their needed nitrogen by engaging in nitrogen fixation (conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to a biologically useful form). Most plants require nitrogen compounds to be present in the soil. Nitrogen is an essential component of all proteins; stunted growth is often the result of not enough nitrogen.

Phosphorus is present in all living cells and is essential to all forms of life. Phosphorus is vital to the growth and health of plants. It helps convert the sun's energy and other chemicals, such as nitrogen, into usable food for plants. Phosphates are important to plants as they promote root growth.

Foundations of buildings and root systems of plants have similar purposes. Without a strong foundation, floors, walls, and roofs are susceptible to collapse under the slightest strain. Without a strong and healthy root system, which is the conduit of nutrients and water, your grape vines will be weak, potentially diseased, and will struggle to produce large sweet grapes; grape vines will be weak, susceptible to disease, and unable to produce large grapes.

Potassium is a key nutrient in the plant's defense system as it battles stresses such as cold/hot temperatures, drought, and pest attacks. Potassium acts as the starter for many of the enzymatic processes in the plant that are vital for plant growth to occur.

So there you have it...your soil is the banquet room of your vines. Understand what is currently "cooking", know where/if you need to "change the menu", apply the proper nutrients and you will be on your way to producing amazing, healthy, large grapes. Here's to your success!


------

Go here for more information on getting the right soil for your vineyard. Learn the secrets of the pros on our website.