Find the right grapes and grow them the green way

A versatile and delicious fruit, grapes can be eaten fresh, dried to make raisins, or converted into juice and wine. Grapevines can be grown on a trellis, a fence, an arbour, or on a pergola. We'll teach you the green way.

Select grapes that are suitable for your climate and intended use. All grapes are self-pollinating, so a single plant is sufficient. However, your chances of producing better crops will be greatly increased if you plant two or more vines. Here's a rundown of many different grape varieties. Each group is listed in approximate order of ripening.

American grapes and hybrids (Grown in coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario):

• 'Canadice' (seedless) are a red, medium-large grape. They're similar to 'Delaware,' but are hardier.
• 'Fredonia' is a black, medium-sized variety. It's productive and good for arbours, and is hardy down to Zone 3. A good table grape.
• 'Himrod' (seedless) is a small white grape. Plant with care, as these grapes are susceptible to black rot. They should be eaten fresh.
• 'Buffalo' is a black, small-medium sized variety. A good early table grape.
• 'Vanessa' (seedless) are red and relatively large. They're vigorous and hardy with aromatic flavour.
• 'Delaware' are small red grapes, suitable for juice and wine. They can also be eaten fresh and are hardy down to Zone 5.
• 'Suffolk Red' (seedless) are a red large-medium variety. This is a high quality grape, but isn't as hardy as 'Canadice.'
• 'Beta' is a black medium-small grape suitable for wine and dessert that's hardy down to Zone 2.
• 'Valiant' is a heavy fruiting blue-black grape of medium size. It's extremely hardy to Zone 2.
• 'Niagara' is a yellow-white medium-sized variety that's both hardy and very popular.
• 'Concord' is a widely planted variety of blue-black grapes that are hardy and suitable for juice or wine.

European grapes   (Grown in coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario in protected locations):

• 'Thompson Seedless' are greenish white, medium-large sized grapes. They are popular, tolerate hot valleys, and are a good table variety.
• 'Baco Noir' are a red, medium-large grape. This variety requires heavy soil to fruit well.
• 'Aurore' is a white, medium-small variety. It's very suited to juice, but can only grow properly in warmer areas.
• 'Seyval' is a white, medium-large grape suitable for wine. However, it needs its bunches thinned.
• 'Muscat Hamburg' is a black, medium sized variety that should be head-pruned. It's a highly recommended grape, but is only suited to warmer areas.

• Good drainage and at least moderately fertile soil are essential for grape cultivation. A fertile loam of medium texture is best.
• Ensure that your vines receive full sunlight so that they develop the proper sugar content essential for wine, juice, and good eating.

• Grapevines can be planted in early spring or fall in a hole slightly deeper and wider than their root systems.
• Plant the vines in rows. The distance between plants in a row should be about two metres (six and a half feet). Make sure you allow at least two and half metres (eight feet) between rows for easy access. The extra space will be needed later.
• If you buy a rooted cutting, plant it with the top bud level with the ground, then mound some soil over it. The developing shoots will push their way through the mound.
• Grapes require a lot of moisture, but they won't tolerate wet soil, so good drainage is essential. They also use up nutrients quickly.
• Grapes respond well to mulching early in spring, particularly to the use of well-rotted manure mixed with straw. Spread 250 grams (1 cup) of general fertilizer on the ground in a ring 15 centimetres (6 inches) wide, a little out from the base of the vine. In arid areas, additional nitrogen compounds may be needed. Apply about 75 grams (1/3 cup) per plant. Stop feeding when fruits start to ripen. Consult your provincial department of agriculture for exact feeding instructions.

Growing grapes is a rewarding endeavor, and they're a versatile and popular fruit. Whether you're looking to make your own wine or juice or simply want organic, delicious table grapes, this guide will help you out. Praise the grape!