Planting Concord Grapes in Pots or Containers

We all know about the rolling acres of vineyards where people grow grape vines with thought of space. You probably didn't know that you can also grow grapes in containers. According to a study done by Martin L. Kaps, of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, a vine needs about "8 to 10 square centimeters of leaf area per gram of fruit weight." As long as you don't limit the growth of the vines too much, you can grow a healthy crop of grapes in a container.

Step 1
Set your container in an area where it will get full sun. Try to set it in place before you add the potting soil and water or it may get too heavy to move. Plan on setting up some sort of support for the vines for when they start growing rapidly. Your container should have good drainage at the bottom so that the grapevine's roots are not sitting in water.



Step 2
Add your potting soil. Use a mix with vermiculite and perlite to keep it from being too heavy. Your container must hold at least 5 gallons of soil to provide enough nutrients for the vines. Also, since grapes are known for liking an alkaline soil, test the soil and add lime to get it in the correct pH balance.

Step 3
Dig a 12-inch hole down in the pot and add your grape vine. Press the soil in around the roots so they get good soil-to-root contact. Water the plant well every few days until you see signs of new growth. Water only during times of extreme heat or drought.

Step 4
Top-dress the container every spring by removing the top 6 inches of soil and replacing it with a layer of well-rotted compost and potting soil. This will provide new nutrients for the roots during the following growing season.