Q: We live in Maine zone5 What is the best way to plant grape vines?
A: Growing grapes in Maine can be a challenge because the growing season is not long enough for most varieties to ripen fully. Select a variety specifically bred for cold climates. "Fredonia" and "Bluebird" are similar to concord grapes and are suitable for jellies, wine and juice. "Edelweiss" is a good white table grape that is also suitable for wine. "Reliance" is a good seedless red grape. "Delaware" is a red table grape also suitable for wine and juice. If you are planting grapes for wine, check out the Iowa State University list of cold climate cultivars at http://viticulture.hort.iastate.edu/cultivars/cultivars.html
The University of Missouri has a good site describing how to plant and care for grape vines at http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06085.htm
Be sure to have your soil tested before planting to determine exactly what amendments are needed. Grapes do not start to grow each spring until their roots are warm. For cold climates such as Maine, it is a good idea to pull back the mulch from your vines in early spring to allow the soild to warm up faster. Another good source for information can be found in the following article on the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners site at http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=703
just bought 2 grape vines at a winery what is the best method for planting grape vines? we are in zone 6-7 York, Pennsylvania. what is the best way to plant? just dirt, peat moss, garden soil ect please advise thanks