muscadines are a type of grapevine native to the southern United States.The grapes can be grown in a backyard garden with a moderate amount of effort.If everything goes well, the reward should be worth it.
Step 1: A good location is what you should choose.
There is a lot of light in the area.If the vines sit in shade for more than a few hours each day, the yield will decrease dramatically.
Step 2: The soil should be amended.
Good internal drainage is required for these grapes to be planted.After a rainstorm, watch the area.You may need to amend the soil if the water is for more than an hour.Don't put soils with hardpan or clay.If you need to amend the soil for drainage, you should mix wood chips, sand, or perlite into it several weeks before planting.The soil's pH should be checked.It should be between 6.0 and 6.5.Dolomitic lime can be used to raise the pH and lower the acidity of the soil.It will improve the drainage of the soil.
Step 3: A one wire or two wire system can be built.
Before planting the vines, you should install a trellis system.Fence systems, posts, garden arches, and similar systems are not as good as one-wire and two wire systems.Space two 5-inch (12.7- cm) wide, 5-foot (1.5-m) long end posts 20 feet (6.1 m) apart, centering one grapevine in between them is a one-wire system.Number nine wire is between the posts.Along this wire, the vines will be trained.Two 6-inch (15.24- cm) wide, 5-foot (1.5-m) tall end posts are needed for a two-wire system.The cross arm should be placed at the time of each post.Number nine wire is between the two cross arms.
Step 4: Look for the best variety.
Dark purple skins are less prone to fruit rot and other diseases, so they are easier to maintain."Perfect flowered" cultivars have both male and female flower parts on a single vine.Some options include: Carlos, Magnolia, and Triumph.
Step 5: Purchase plants.
Potted plants are easier to maintain.Scuppernong vines that are one year old are ideal.Mist the roots with a spray bottle every few days to keep them moist.When you are ready to transplant bare- root plants, you should keep them refrigerated.
Step 6: Wait for the threat of frost to pass.
You don't have to worry about cold temperatures anymore.Young vines can be affected by frost.In the southern United States, you can plant in late February and March.Plants kept in containers can be planted at any time during the year, but if you want bare root plants, you must adhere to this schedule more strictly.
Step 7: Take a deep hole.
If not a little deeper, the hole should be as deep as the container currently holding the vine.The diameter of the current container should be twice as wide as the planting hole.There is a risk of crowding if you don't provide enough space for the roots to spread.
Step 8: Carefully transplant the scuppernong.
Remove the plant from its container and place the roots in the planting hole.If you want to partially cover the roots, fill the rest of the hole with loose soil.Use your hands to pack the soil around the roots as you work.After filling in the hole, water the soil.The water will give the roots a boost and help settle the soil.Spread compost or shredded leaves over the soil to keep it moist.
Step 9: There is plenty of space for separate vines.
A row of vines should be 10 to 20 feet apart.The rows should be 8 to 12 feet apart.
Step 10: After planting, Prune to one stem.
Cut the vine back to one stem with clean shears within a week or so after planting.For the best results, choose the healthiest stem.You have to cut the stem back to two or three buds.
Step 11: Weak growth needs to be removed.
Determine which shoot is the most vigorous as new growth begins.
Step 12: Tie the vine tightly.
Attach the growing vine to your training system with wire ties or twine.The vine may not be tall enough to reach the wire of your system.It is possible to install a bamboo training stake directly beside the plant.Once the vine is tall enough to reach the wires, remove the stake from the fresh vine.You might need to tie the vine on a weekly basis.Side shoots should be removed during this time.
Step 13: The vine needs to be tall enough to cut the growing tip.
Once the vine is tall enough to reach the wire of your trellis system, cut the growing tip back to the bud.Doing this causes buds to form.There are cords that need to be trained along the wires of your system.They need to be tied onto the wire.
Step 14: During the dormant season, there is maintenance that needs to be done.
Side shoots can be developed after the cordons reach their full length.Each dormant season, the side shoots will need to be cut back to two or three buds.Both flowers and fruit can be produced from these buds.
Step 15: The season starts at the beginning.
Depending on the maturity of the vine, you'll need to apply a balanced 10-10-10 between March and early April each year, but the exact amount can vary.In the first and second years, apply 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 after planting and 2 ounces of 34-0-0 in late May and early July.In March and May, apply 2 lbs (900 g) of 10-10-10 per vine.3 to 5 lbs (1350 to 2250 g) of 10-10-10 will be applied in March after the third year.At the beginning of June, you may need to apply 1/2 lbs of ammonium nitrate.Scuppernongs need a lot of magnesium.If older leaves begin to oxidize between their veins, apply 2 to 4 oz (30 to 60 g) of Epsom salts to the soil of one or two year old vines.It is possible for mature vines to need a dose of boron every two to three years.For every 20-by-20 foot area, apply 2 Tbsp of Borax by mixing it into your usual fertilizer.
Step 16: Remove the weeds.
During the first two years of growth, remove any weeks that develop within 1 to 2 feet of the base of each vine.If weeds were left alone, the young plants would not be able to get the needed vitamins and minerals.
Step 17: The mulch should be applied.
In the early spring, place 1 to 2 inches of bark mulch around the base of each vine.The mulch should help reduce weed problems and keep the soil moist.
Step 18: Water well for the first two years.
Water the vines during dry periods during the first two years of growth.Even during dry spells, mature vines are able to get the water they need from the soil.Between the bud-break and flowering periods is when you may need to water established vines.During dry spells, only water is used.
Step 19: There are pests and diseases to watch out for.
When problems arise, you will have to treat the plants with an appropriate product.Japanese beetles, grape berry moths, and grape root borers are the most common insect problems.The most common disease problems are bitter rot.Make sure the pesticides you use are safe to use with plants.There are many chemicals that can be toxic.
Step 20: There are ripe grapes.
Ripenons should be uniform in both shape and color.The grapes should have a sweet scent when ripe.
Step 21: The grapes should be picked individually.
You should take individual grapes from the vine when they are ripe.Pick off the stems of individual grapes.Ripe grapes should fall away from the stem.No cutting tools are needed.
Step 22: You can store grapes in the fridge.
Place the grapes in the refrigerator.You can enjoy the grapes within a few days.It is possible to keep most of them up to a week without a problem.It's a good idea to inspect the grapes when you're storing them.Remove anything that seems soft or decayed.
Step 23: Enjoy the fruit.
The skins can be eaten.If you want to eat a scuppernong, hold the stem side of the grape in your mouth and bite or squeeze it.The juice should come out of the skin and into your mouth.You might want to eat the skin and seeds because they are good for you.