grape

Grape (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') plants should be watered on a regular basis. Water your grape plant deeply, about 1 inch of water each week. Water when the top 2 inches of soil begin to feel dry. Increase the amount of water as the heat and dryness of summer increases, ultimately providing the plant with up to 2 inches of water per week. Avoid overwatering as grapes do not thrive in wet, soggy soil. It is best to water your grapes early in the morning to give the leaves and stems ample time to dry, which helps prevent some fungal diseases. During winter, water your plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry.

Grape (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') plants prefer ample sunshine and 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. If planted in an area with partial shade, a higher total amount of indirect light is preferred. Early morning sun is important for the production of high quality fruit. The afternoon sun should not be too hot as this can cause sunburn and wound with grapes. The most beneficial time for grape plants to be exposed to sun is during the summer months when days become longer and there is more direct intense sunlight. Hotter temperatures help the plant to bear fruit. In order for Concord grapes to bloom and bear an abundant crop, they should be exposed to direct sunlight and warmth.

Grapes (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') should be pruned once or twice a year. This is done to keep the vine healthy by removing dead, diseased, or unproductive canes. Pruning also promotes flowering, fruiting, and overall vigor of the plant. Spring is the best time for pruning as this will help the plant produce more and higher quality grapes. Remove any dead, damaged, and diseased wood and any shoots that are growing too close together. Also remove any shoots that are growing from the bottom of the cane, as these will not yield fruit. For each vine, start by removing all dead, diseased, or unproductive canes. Then, to encourage regrowth, thin canes and select the best 2 or 3 of the remaining canes. These will be the main stem shoots of the plant. Prune these shoots to approximately 8-12 nodes each. Finally, to ensure adequate sunlight penetration into the canopy, prune your side shoots and any shoots growing from the main stem. These shoots should be pruned back to 2-4 nodes each. Prune all shoots that are crossing over or shading other shoots. Pruning grapes can help your plant yield more fruit and greater quality. However, you should be careful not to over-prune as this can lead to reduced yields. Be sure to monitor the health and vigor of your plants, and prune accordingly.