Garden Enhancements – Build a Grape Trellis
If you have ever considered growing grapes then you would possibly already realize how important a grape trellis will be to the entire process. Using a well constructed trellis guarantees that all your developing grapes will get adequate amounts of sunlight. It is not difficult to build a grape trellis, and will only take you a few hours to finish. You do not have to be a professional to carry out this task especially if you are utilizing a 2-wire system. This method is more advantageous when combined with cordon trained grapes that are cultivated at an angle to give support to the growing stem. This system is assembled with a set of wires that are five feet in height and a second set of wires which measure approximately a foot each. This will then allow the growing vines to entwine the uppermost wires for complete support. When using your grape trellis you may need to occasionally tie the shoots to safeguard them effectively.
Required Materials
10-12 gauge wire preferably high tensile stainless steel. You will be able to locate this at most hardware stores, it will be sold in rolls and its cost will be determined by the weight of the roll you purchase. Using the tensile stainless steel wire will reduce the time you will spend rewiring or adjusting the wires on your trellis as time progresses.
Lumber or metal to create posts of varying sizes. The heavier posts will be utilized for base support while the lighter posts will be designated for holding up the bulk of the vines. The larger posts need to be wooden and the lighter ones may be made up of either metal or wood. A good size to use for your heavier posts is approximately 3 inches in diameter. This will enable you to run the rows of the trellis for about 280 feet if you plan to go beyond this distance then the post will have to be thicker with a 6 inch diameter.
Cement may be used to allow the posts to be erected more securely in the ground.
Required Tools
Drill
Shovel/Spade
Nails/Screws
Power Saw
Set Square
Level
Hammer
.
Instructions
1.First you should erect your posts. If the area where you will be putting up the post is windy then you will need to dig the slots for your posts at a distance of no more than 15 to 20 feet apart. The closer the bigger posts the smaller the chance for lagging to occur in the wires as a result of shifts triggered by the wind. The holes should be an estimated 2 feet deep if the soil is firm, however, for soil that is softer or if the holes will be placed in areas that are sandy, dig a deeper hole with your shovel or spade to ensure the posts will be left securely in place. Use cement if you would like to re-enforce your posts. Combine the cement with water and pour it into the individual holes and fill to about half the depth of each
2.You will need to put up your smaller posts from the lighter pieces of wood that you have. Cut them with a saw or power saw. For increased accuracy you may prefer to measure them properly with a set square. Once these pieces are cut you may now attach them to the larger posts using a hammer and a few nails to put them in the desired areas. You canassemble them based on your own design or any other you would like to use.
3.Finally you will have to put up wires for the grape vines to grow on. Drill holes into the individual posts, both the larger and smaller posts when this is done you can install your wire. You may have to anchor your wires so that they are able to hold up the vines. When you are installing the wires make certain that they are taut but not too tight so that they are elongated to the point of nearly breaking. If you are installing an anchor or two be sure to place it in a hole of about 2-3 feet in depth and then make a loop at the top of it where the wire may be drawn through. You may also think about installing your wire by hammering a couple nails at key points and then wrapping the wire around them at all points.
4.Your trellis is ready for your grapes.
Tips and Warnings
Different types of grapes will require contrasting methods of care and maintenance. Therefore it is essential that you do the proper research before deciding which type of grape you will grow.
Make sure that any treatments you use on your posts will not seep into the soil and affect the quality of your grapes. Opt for protective coatings that are not highly toxic in the last stages of finishing your grape trellis, if your lumber is not treated or you would like to increase the resistance the wood has against weathering.
Once the grape vines begin to grow you may have to intervene in the process and get them to grow a bit differently to maximize the absorption of sunlight.