The planting of grape vines is a very critical operation to their survival.

Over 90% of planting losses are caused by the desiccation (drying out) of the vines in the field. This loss can be prevented by:

Plant early in spring, when the soil is moist and workable. April – May are the most suitable months in the Northeast.  After arrival, the vines need to be kept in a cool place (above 40F) and the roots kept moist at all times.  Placing the vines into water (bathtub, pond, stream, bucket) for one to two days before planting helps to “fill” the vine with water.

Three important tips for success

Remember – the exposed portions of a vine loses water, and if the roots cannot replace it, death by desiccation results.

1) To reduce water loss prior to new root growth, we recommend covering the entire vine with soil. 

• A: This is especially important for late planting dates and less than optimal soil conditions. New shoots emerging from covered vines will usually push through this loose soil.
  They can be assisted by pulling soil away with a hand held four pronged hoe.
• B: For cold nights below 32 deg. F. a soil cover will prevent cold injury to shoots, canes, and the graft union.

2) To aid early and rapid growth of rootlets, we recommend :

• A: Leaving the roots as long as possible, because fine (thin) roots produce many rootlets quickly (Pruned back / larger roots regenerate rootlets at the cut surfaces and more slowly.) In addition, the roots store most of a vines reserves, or energy for new growth.
• B: Spread roots in the planting hole or trench, then cover them with 3 inches of moist soil and tamp well with the heal of your shoe to assure good root-soil contact. Only then should the planting hole or trench be filled and the entire vine covered (hilled up). These principles should also be adopted when using a planting machine!

3) Grafted vines should have the graft union located at about the level of the loose soil in the field, which will place them later about 2 inches above the settled soil level.