Guidelines for a Trellising Grapevines

In order for your grapes to grow in their vine-like pattern, they will require a trellis. This is why space is never very consistent when it comes to growing grapes. You can easily grow grapes in your backyard as long as you create the proper trellis for them to grow on.

Since a grapevine cannot support itself, it will require the use of a trellis in order to grow. Depending on the person growing the grapes, the trellis may vary. You can create a very simple structural support system, or you can create a very decorative one, depending on how you plan to use it. A trellis can be made from materials such as iron, wood, stainless steel, PVC pipe, or even aluminum. You can create your own trellis or purchase a ready-made one. No matter if it is ready-made or created yourself, you will want to ensure that you leave enough room for your grapes to grow. Usually spaces that are eight feet by eight feet are recommended to grow just one grapevine.


You will need to create your trellis support prior to actually planting your grapevine. If you live in a warmer climate, then you will want a taller grapevine trellis. In colder climates you will want a shorter grapevine trellis. Short is considered to be three feet or lower in height, where as a tall grapevine trellis is considered up to eight feet tall.


Before you plant your grapevine trellis, you will want to consider the area in which you want to plant first. Your first post should be about two feet into the ground so that your eight foot post is six feet off the ground surface. Remember that your trellis is a permanent fixture since grapevines take a few years in order to begin producing.

You can secure your trellis into the ground with catch wires, or by cementing them into the ground surface. You will always want to use galvanized steel wire if you ever choose to use a wiring method to secure your grapevine trellis.

Most people that grow grapes prefer to just buy ready-made trellises, but if you wish to make your own there are more than enough self-help guides to teach you how to do so. Just always remember that there are numerous ways to construct a trellis as long as you keep in mind their ultimate purpose - supporting your grapevines.