Pruning Grapes 2014

Tom shows you the method for pruning grapes, first cane pruning, and then spur pruning.

[@barrb6134]

I can't begin to say enough thanks for taking the time to "instruct", on pruning grapes. I have vines that are probably 50-60 years old. Each year I get very little fruit, but VERY long runners. BUT NOW I finally know the secret to keeping the vines in production! Thanks!!

[@enjoyyourlife40]

Thank you so much for these extremely helpful videos. Six years ago my husband and I bought a home on a decent size lot in Northern California. Every other house we had had very small lots and though I still grew a few things, I now have plums, lemon, fig, pomegranate, espaliered Apple and pear and just last year we put in grapes. I retired last year and this garden has made a dream come true. All my fruit trees are kept low so we don't have to get up on ladders and deal with too much fruit. Espaliered multi grafted trees spread the time we get fruit over many months. Your wonderful videos are concise and easy to follow. I think I would be lost without them. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@fenderstratguy]

I love your suggestion about tying first, before pruning . Such obvious common sense, yet I didn’t think of it myself. (I’m a beginner, though…. I just planted my very first ever vines today)

[@AlenbtgMepstoen]

Thank you! Simple and direct talking about the subject, that is the good presentation.

[@natashacloutier3285]

Gosh finally. Was about to take back my grape plants because of all the backyard gardeners extremely messy, buggy plants. This was a great video. New subscriber!! Thanks so much

[@auntynette7503]

Thank you so much for a CLEAR, CONCISE video that is excellent visually and brilliant audio! I makes a very nice change to watch something that is very clear and to the point both audio (which is often compromised on others) and visually clear. You put a lot of information in here that is easy to hear and follow without rambling :-) It is very obvious by your professional manner that this IS your livelihood. Thank you so much Tom. If I was in America, I would not hesitate in buying from you. I am a subscriber and wish you well. Annette from Australia.

[@gilbertasmall3705]

Aunty Nette . I

[@InnerAlchemist]

What Aunt Nette said - agree completely. Extremely informative and easy to listen to and learn from. Thank you Tom

[@lolanootenboom889]

Aunty Nette Ty

[@leftertiberiuvlad]

I can across a great compilation of videos that will help you at Grape Grower Folio

[@kathyahrens638]

watched 6 grapevine pruning videos. This is the most informative. Thanks

[@JWHealing]

Thanks this was very informative. I didn't know there are two different types of grape vines, those that need cane pruning and those that like spur pruning. I do not know my grape variety, but I've pruned the crap out of it in previous years, and always get a huge harvest, so I'll assume it's OK with spur pruning.

[@SkylinersYeti]

Another great video, thank you. I like to use sisal twine to tie plants. If for some reason I forget to cut off the next growing season it rots within a season. I prefer to minimize the amount of plastic I use.

[@horrido666]

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about. Thanks.

[@growinglongisland]

Love this guy, he makes everything look so easy!

[@lofenoialof5320]

Yes he’s great! Super clear , kind, and helpful!

[@bradharper5397]

Thanks a lot for the excellent training session that quickly showed how to use both cane and spur pruning. I appreciate the tip on using some green nursery tape to hold the cane before pruning.

[@robertburleson5509]

Thanks for answering most of my questions. I always find your videos very informative! I have a few Concords in the backyard so I will use the cane pruning method. I might be too late for heavy pruning this year. I live at about 3500 feet in NC and we've had a crazy winter. No foliage yet on the vine but my apples are breaking dormancy and the grapes will probably break by weeks end. Vines are in their third year and starting to need some major discipline. This will be their first pruning. I had...well the birds had several clusters last year from the three vines I have. Thanks again for the info!

[@Bettinasisrg]

Hello, I have 30 year old green seedless cane fruit vines that were here at my house when I moved in. After 5 years of a lot of fruit my youngest daughter and her boyfriend (no longer) decided to 'prune' them (w/o my knowledge). Well they sure did! The next couple years were OK, but then nothing! I thought it had been killed, but it seems to be coming back. Is that normal after a severe pruning? Also what fertilizer do you recommend, and is there anything else I can do to help it come back better. I live in North Idaho. (any help is appreciated) Thanks!

[@kodachip]

I have 10 grape vines of unknown variety on a large trellis that are 18 to 20 years old. Each year I get loads of vine but NO grapes! Once in a while I'll see the starting of a bunch but only a few will turn into a grape but they never mature. I must be doing everything wrong. I've tried various running technics but nothing has helped. Do I grub them up and start over?

[@larryramey7532]

I was encouraged to see using two wires to grow grapes. A relative from Germany had me use two levels, so 4 wires to grow on. What do you think about that?

[@lorib5398]

Thank you. My unpruned vine is on year 2, and I need to start planning ahead. Those cut off parts can be planted and rerooted....fyi

[@MrKristoffle]

dear sir, I am really very much thankful and much appreciated for your precious reply. so you are saying, and meaning I can actually PRUNE down the CORDON use it as a stem for ROOTING, instead of pruning the grape cane or shoot or vine using as a stem for rooting, is that what you mean? because if I can prune down my grape CORDON (VERY THICK "HAND") to use it as for a stem, instead of pruning the cane, then I shall prune down the CORDON on this coming weekend.

[@MrKristoffle]

hi, so sorry sir. may I have your greatest guidance please, if I chop off the cordon and use it as a stem, may I ask if it is possible for the cordon to root? meaning instead of cutting off the cane go use as a stem for rooting, I choose to chop off a thick cordon as a cutting stem, and insert into a pot of soil, or insert into a bucket of water, do you think the cordon I chop off from the grape tree trunk, will grow roots, or not. please help, cos I would like to chop off a cordon from the grape tree I grow into the ground already.

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Very good chance it will root. Grapes are propagated on their own root.

[@MrKristoffle]

and also, what is the length for the cordon I can prune down as a stem? I know a normal cutting is 12 to 18 inches. but for cordon, what is the length, dear sir, please HELP..

[@Bernieclark45]

I have 20 vines on my plot but don't know what is their type. Now with the help of your video I am on the case. Thank you.

[@claytonhorn6785]

Look like his brother

[@CarlyleSmith]

I wish you'd finish pruning something so I could see the pattern before moving on.

[@triumphmanful]

WELL I PRUNED MY GRAPE VINES LIKE YOU DID AND THIS YEAR I GOT NO GRAPES AT ALL ! NOT ONE FLOWER FORMED. SOMETHING WENT WRONG. DID PRUNING STOP GRAPE PRODUCTION ? i have plenty of shoots and leaves, JUST NO GRAPES !!!!!! Any ideas would help greatly !

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

That is a bummer.. Are your varieties cane type or spur type?

[@cjwalker3846]

A garage repairman taught me how to prun muscadine grapes today. Also, he taughtme how to make roots for new muscadine plants, using peat moss and root hormone.

[@aaronsilver1975]

I pruned mine down to the woody parts. Didnt leave any last years or any spurs i guess they're called. Hope it comes back to life in spring.

[@ericclaeyborn4673]

oh oh!

[@nancysewell769]

Do I cut off what would be a spur on all the Thompson canes? How do I re-establish a new head when my old vine is a mess at the top?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Remove all but three or four vines. Shorten the ones you leave to three spurs long.

[@rosskstar]

What if your vine grows 20 feet in either direction every year? Should you cut back to a 20 foot leader or only 24" like you say?

[@peka1887]

Thank you for clear explanation of spur vs cane pruning

[@donnathompson9828]

I purchased a red and a green/white grape vine from Home Depot a few years ago. One vine died and I am not sure which is left behind. I have not yet gotten fruits How do I identify if I have red grapevine or green/white vine? I want a replacement but need to know what I have now. Thanks for answer

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

You will have to get it to fruit to know for sure.

[@kzoohowie]

Someone told me to prune all the small stuff off of my grapes. I have the big trunk going up the post and some big branches going over the trellis. I cut everything else off. Now I am worried that I cut too much off to get any grapes this year. Did I cut too much?

[@BABYBOY5858able]

D Lynn ii

[@csandreas1]

when you say to leave 6 eyes of the last year growth, you mean the wood that is 2 years old right? the wood that is 1 years old won't produce grape right?

[@70sfred1]

I have a Concord vine and a Niagara vine on an arbor. Last year I pruned it hard and got a lot of vines,but little grapes. The vines were trailing on the ground. Can I light prune in the summer the trailing vines?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Both varieties require fall or winter cane pruning for best production. The only summer pruning recommended for grapes would be skirting 18" up from soil level so no canes reach the ground or window pruning for light exposure of the fruit clusters.

[@70sfred1]

Dave Wilson Nursery Thank you and much appreciated!

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

I want to ask for advice if I may. I have grapes trained horizontally along my back fence. This is the 3rd year so every little vine growing out has grapes on the end of it. They are about 6 inches apart. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to cut about half of them out to increase energy to the ones that are left.

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

+truthseeker1973 Yes, thinning would be beneficial to fruit size and quality.

[@jerrymacmillanjr9955]

Dave Wilson Nursery I've seen green grapes trained to a fence in a backyard in Wisconsin they were full of nice heavy grape bunches

[@justbeachy2031]

Well I blew it. Suddenly, leaves have appeared. I have been meanng to get to it. : ( I have another grapevine that grew on it's own. Seconed year. No leaves, do you think I can transplant it?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

It could take a seedling grape many years to mature and become productive.

[@triumphmanful]

I did this recently for my sprawling Concord vines. The front vines on my property have no leaves this spring ! I think its dead now. The back deck vine has plenty of leaves. What happened ??? I did exactly what you did ! It was very vigorous last year but grape clusters were not so great . HELP

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Is it the same variety front and back? Different micro-climates can make them act different. No doubt the plants in front got much more cold, and the back was a little warmer. The bare variety is hopefully still dormant.

[@nutmegger1957]

I've got a Concord Grape Vine that is growing strong, but is basically just looking like a shrub on the ground. It's voluminous and just growing wild. The plant is a number of years old. it's along a pine tree shaded area, and I'm thinking of pruning it and encouraging to grow on an Arbor. I'd love to find someone here in CT to come by and evaluate the plant and its potential. Any suggestions?

[@lofenoialof5320]

In SoCal the leaves are still on the vine , yet some leaves are browning at the edges . Am I watering too much, or not feeding it enough ? Also is it too early to prune ? Thanks so much!

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Probably damage due to summer heat stress. Wait until vines go dormant to do your pruning. late December/ early January.

[@lofenoialof5320]

@@DaveWilsonTrees that sounds good. Also do you how to prep some areas in the garden where the ground is hard dry and clay rich? Someone said to place 2-3 feet of mulch there and let it break down over time and then the soil will be ready to grow in . Thank you!

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Mulch can definitely improve your soil. You can plant in a raised bed or mound to overcome poor drainage.

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Mulch won’t improve drainage much. For that you should apply gypsum and till it in.

[@lofenoialof5320]

@@DaveWilsonTrees wow that’s good to know : ) thanks

[@c.nguyen7703]

A GREAT demonstration....! Thanks a lot for the useful lesson.

[@stateniland]

Hi Dave... can I container grow grapes in the NYC area?.. leave the plant outdoors all year without fear of the roots freezing? Thank you Joe

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

You would have to keep the root column from freezing solid, but it may be possible.

[@stateniland]

@@DaveWilsonTrees OK TY for your response Joe

[@johncaprar9169]

I like the way you explain everything you do there Sir. appreciate your help.

[@danishelley7112]

I just moved into a home with two vines that have been neglected and are really overgrown. When pruning, how do I tell which canes are viable and which to get rid of?

[@killjoyreturns4464]

In general..smooth wood, keep, old barky wood, remove... aside from the main trunk of course. Fruiting wood is the younger stuff

[@Imgone2024]

I have a very old grape vine, hasn't been pruned in years, an I mean probably 20 or more. I don't know where to start or what time of year to start. I tried to do some last year, but they sure don't look like this guys do!

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Robyn Brown 20 years, sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. Grapes are best grown to fit a pre determined supportive structure. If you are growing to fit on a trellis, arbor, fence or whatever structure you choose you need to bring the plant back to balance with its support. Once the pre determined growth pattern has been accomplished the vine should be winter pruned every season using either spur or cane pruning style. You can get more information on grape pruning and culture by viewing the grape videos posted to the fruit tube section of the Dave Wilson Nursery web-site.

[@Imgone2024]

Thank you! The old support structure has partially collapsed. It was originally fence posts and wire fencing and the wood is rotten. After watching some videos and talking with a friend we cane up with a plan to cut them into a manageable size and find the main vines. Watch and see if enough grapes grow this summer to make the work of putting in new support structures worth all the work. My great grandpa planted those vines and made wine with them. I want jam.

[@maxdecphoenix]

+Robyn Brown what's the diameter of the trunk at the base?

[@sharonhumes3903]

Wow looks so easy

[@growtolearn4545]

hi dave. where are you guys located?

[@carolaskitchen8969]

What kind of pruning sheers do you recommend?

[@jamaal4327]

Lol I have to do this for the rest of the week as a job. Wish me luck 😁

[@OKAZWA44]

Thank you Sir for the info. highly appreciated ......clear concise and to the point ... 3 cheers to you and God bless you

[@Dirrtza]

How much grape you get from one vine? It seems a bit to much

[@denniszlatkin4280]

Nicely done and well explained. Thanks, Dave.

[@sophiashcherbakova2867]

Cheers for the Video clip! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your thoughts. Have you tried - Lammywalness Green Grapes Guide (google it)? It is an awesome one off guide for learning how to become a successful grape grower minus the normal expense. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my buddy at last got astronomical success with it.

[@gregbrooks9546]

Dave, Is 14 ga. wire heavy enough to grow grape vines on with a 30 foot run

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Possibly if it is supported several times. Personally I would go with a heaver gage or a spun cable. Galvanized or stainless.

[@gregbrooks9546]

The wire I have is a farm fencing galvanized wire I bought at tractor supply and I have like 5,000 ft of it so wanted to use it instead of buying more. So what gage do you use.

[@4skully]

Hi Dave I have some Black Makuna and I have a lot of the big ones you talk about I am wondering its July I have a lot of the long ones and I was wondering can I prune ?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Yes, that would be fine.

[@markweber2958]

How do I identify what variety of grape vine I have ...and mine have not been managed in 50 years ...last year i cleaned all of the trees and honeysuckle..out ...i have 7 .one gallon bags of marble size grapes ....HELP....lol...please??

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Mark Weber if you don’t know the variety, the best is to cane prune one side and spur prune the other and see which works better. Every fall you need to prune the vines way back. One vine can only ripen so much fruit, so if overgrown, you will get marbles.

[@markweber2958]

Thanks dave

[@markweber2958]

If were to send you a cane could you help me identify??

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Mark Weber sorry, no. You can try sending a fruit picture to our Facebook page, but even that is not easy to identify.

[@markweber2958]

Ok thanks for your help

[@playswithbricks]

Wow, 5-7min mark is something close to the Gospel!

[@larrabeejl]

Do these rules apply to growing grapes in northern Minnesota?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

They're more guidelines than rules, and yes, if you want fruit and not just long green vines they absolutely apply in all growing zones.

[@samer8582]

Thank you from Lebanon

[@sarahgittel]

My yard is really invaded by now. I many cordons Can it be pruned and cut down now in early November?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Yes, you sure can.

[@lisamaier9984]

Loved this tutorial. Is there any way to make concord grapes sweeter?

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Lisa Maier Full sun exposure for the vine tops. Hold back on irrigation about three weeks prior to harvest. Make sure your using fertilizers that are as LOW in nitrogen as possible.

[@larrabeejl]

Harvest after the first frost

[@rowenafulache6461]

Cvan I buy few cuttings of your grapes thanks

[@raynechantel2738]

Love the info - wish the camera person could hold still - missed a little visually because of moving camera.

[@MasudGo]

I like this video, very cool !

[@kilirex]

how long will grape plant die??

[@food4u598]

This something new for me in my local its not this way. Big trees we have and spreaded on the steel wires.

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

Like an Espalier? We do that also.

[@verdun8481]

Where Can I buy cutters like the one you are using.

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

I know they are Felco brand, shouldn't be too hard to find.

[@Happyfox870]

great Info I am planting a BOC system and trellised grapes system this year

[@growtolearn4545]

great channel 👍

[@gwynethgrove772]

Thanks great video, all very clear now.

[@MiViolets]

how do you know how to build the trellis

[@DaveWilsonTrees]

You can find instructions online. You can build the scaffold and plant a standard tree and prune it to fit the scaffold. Or you can buy an espalier that is already started and create the scaffold to fit the tree.

[@kellyshuey5564]

Love the tutorial!!! Thank you, that was amazing.

[@marvinbugarin1870]

My grapes took over my guava tree expecting to see guava grapes this year XD

[@sheryldipietro5190]

Very well explained.

[@tomideadewale4242]

How can I grow graps in west African

[@carlosrushie2920]

Grow perfect grape vines that produce up to 42 pounds of grapes on a single vine. - No previous experience needed!

[@carlosrushie2920]

Carlos Rushie Visit here ==> youtube-etv.info/my-grape-vine Click it, hope it helps

[@alfredoserrano8399]

Carlos Rushie CT results we

[@lizmcqueen1490]

Great explanation and demo, but I felt quite sea-sick from the camera moving about like that.

[@frankdavidson9675]

first time ever saw a grape bush

[@jokodh4085]

nice info sir... can I have the seeds? mayb cutting?

[@taongbahay2023]

Wish i have those cuttings i really wanted to have those variety of grapes :(

[@SeoSocialMarketingTX]

Absolutely divine!

[@backyardgardener442]

Do you sale your cuttings

[@backyardgardener442]

For making plants

[@DiYChat]

Great thanks for the instruction

[@colindijan2757]

Excellent and clear.

[@CoCreate369]

muchas gracias

[@brucekosnik1625]

you didnt explain the most important thing about tieing off canes.if you tie them too tight,it will choke and kill the cane!

[@jaydak99]

He did say to use that plastic gardening tape, not wire, so it doesn't girdle the vine.

[@JWHealing]

He could have mentioned that more explicitly. The plastic stuff he uses is flexible and so has some give to it. I will use string tied somewhat loosely that is bright so I will see & check it in future years, as I prefer not to use plastic.

[@piecartbox]

ty

[@ya00007]

That's grafting tape!

[@javidahmadmir5842]

Good time choose to pruning for healing completly

[@ssstefannn1]

it seems to be GDC

[@clivemossmoon3611]

Fruit without seeds does not metabolize correctly. Fruit should have seeds. Very sad.

[@willwyatt7023]

Utter, pseudoscientific and total nonsense.

[@clivemossmoon3611]

Will Wyatt Where do you think essential oils come from numbnuts.

[@patrapper7367]

Have your camera person not drink so much fermented grapes before filming next time.

[@maohsinali6234]

Good

[@jackiechan3599]

I would get bitched at if I did it like that

[@stefaniusparalvicius2909]

Appreciate Video! Sorry for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you researched - Lammywalness Green Grapes Guide (probably on Google)? It is an awesome exclusive guide for learning how to become a successful grape grower minus the hard work. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my friend got cool results with it.