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| I bought a Sugargate muscadine before I realized it can grow 20'. I don't want to plant it on the new grape arbor because I could plant two other grape varieties in the same space. (I don't even know if I like muscadines yet.) I have 4' field fencing around the orchard though. Could I grow it up a post and train it along the top of the fence? The fencing is 4' high. Or could I grow a smaller variety of grapes on the fence, or maybe kiwi or something? The orchard is getting full(ackk!) and now I'm eyeing the fence for useable space. Thanks. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by ravenh2001 none (My Page) on Fri, May 31, 13 at 16:11
| Yes you can. the grapes can grow up the post and along the fence both ways. be sure to check the posts and wire well first grapes are not light and it will have to support the weight of 2 or 3 coons at the same time. That will be 1 day before you plan to pick. |
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- Posted by copingwithclay 8B (My Page) on Fri, May 31, 13 at 23:06
| The muscadines will be happy to grow in 10 foot long zones. The vines will cascade in all directions each Summer, and get reset back to a compact, slim frame each Winter pruning. Raven's coon comment is also very true for my vines. As some overripe grapes fall to the ground and ferment, the downwind smell of grape wine fetches both possums and coons. When they visit, the fallen fruit are cracked in half and lay on the ground. When the squirrels get them, there are many shreds of dry, peeled grape skin scattered about. |
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| I solved the coon and possum problem (knock on wood) by fencing the whole property and getting two livestock guardian dogs to patrol all night. The orchard is in the middle of the property and it's fenced to keep the cows out. Between the dogs and the barn cats there aren't many squirrels anymore either. I think/hope I've created a safe place to grow fruit. (crosses fingers...) I was more worried about the weight of the vines pulling down the fences. The fences are new. Or whether they would grow properly because they're crowded or something. I've never grown grapes before. Thanks for the warnings. I'll definitely use the fences farthest from the woods. |
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| You can grow grapes as large or small as you want them. You need to read about pruning. A mature vine will be cut back 80-90% every year. You can grow a vine that has the potential to get 20' in a 5' area just fine if you keep it under control. |
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