How to grow grapes outdoors in the Moscow region

Growing grapes in the Moscow region outdoors isn't exactly a difficult process. Grapes are a southern plant and thrive in full sun. However, the wonders of modern breeding have allowed us to develop varieties that thrive in the Moscow region's climate. When planting, it's important to choose the most suitable location. Possible challenges grape diseases and ways to combat them.

Planting in spring or autumn

When growing grapes in the Moscow region, be sure to choose the south side of the house. Plant the grapes one and a half meters from a wall, fence, or other outbuilding (it's important to have some support nearby).

Grapes thrive only in sunny, warm conditions. In the Moscow region, supplies of such warm weather are often inconsistent, which is why gardeners emphasize that only a south-facing location is suitable for planting. When planting a single vine, a hole measuring 60 x 60 x 60 centimeters is required for the seedling. If planting several vines, trenches of the same depth and width can be dug simultaneously (this is the minimum; larger trenches are possible).

When planting, ensure that the bulk of the growing roots is about forty centimeters deep. It's recommended to leave a distance of one meter between weak-growing varieties, one and a half meters between medium-growing varieties, and at least two meters between vigorous varieties.

You'll need to install an additional trench along the vineyard trench. Stretch the wire horizontally in several tiers. The wires must be aligned, and the first wire should be at least 30 centimeters above the ground.

Favorable planting times

On thematic videos for growing grapes In the Moscow region, there's no telling when the best time to plant is in the open ground. Many gardeners agree that early fall is the best time to do so. The soil for planting is prepared during this period.

How do I prepare the soil? Once the holes are dug, fill them with up to 20 cm of broken brick, then fill the hole with soil. The soil should contain sufficient sand and manure, mineral fertilizers, and gravel and compost are also welcome. Mark out the four sides of the hole with 50 cm long plastic pipes. Make sure the pipes extend 5 cm above the soil surface. This simple device will help with watering the seedlings and provide an easy way to fertilize and care for the grapes.

Which varieties to choose?

A good harvest will be ensured not only by proper care but also by choosing the right variety. In particular, growing "White Miracle" grapes in open ground in the Moscow region is popular, but not limited to them. Consider the "Saperavi" and "Isabella" varieties. They are frost-resistant and have shown excellent growth in the Moscow region's climate.

Plant only grape varieties that produce an early harvest for this climate region. The time from flower bloom to harvest for a particular variety should be no more than 110 days. Otherwise, the gardener simply won't have time to harvest.

Advice! When grape seedlings have a closed root system, spring is the most favorable time for planting. Just make sure all frosts have passed. In theory, planting can be extended, but only until early summer. With open root systems, planting can be done from early spring to late fall at any time. They take root until late October and the first frost.

Shelter for the winter

Since the Moscow region experiences severe frosts in winter, grape bushes must be given additional winter protection. In the fall, when the leaves begin to fall, the vines should be removed from the trellis, old branches removed, and tied with rope (this protects them from the cold and also prevents them from rotting due to high humidity).

It's best not to place grapes directly on the vines for the winter. A special support is recommended for this purpose. Sprinkle the vines with sawdust or fallen leaves and cover them with spruce branches.

Alternatively, you can install a 30-cm arch over the vine and cover it with a covering material. This will provide the plant with reliable protection and the necessary minimum warmth for a successful winter. In the spring, the grapes are opened In April, when the snow has completely melted. The opening should be gradual.

Advice! The older the grapevine, the more severe frosts it can withstand without cover. However, young saplings in the Moscow region must be covered at least during the first few years of growth.