# Planting Concord Grapes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Concord grapes are a popular variety of grape that are frequently used for making juice and jelly, cooking, and eating fresh. If you love the taste of Concord grapes and want to grow them in your garden, follow these simple steps to get started.

## Choosing a Planting Location

The first step in planting Concord grapes is choosing an appropriate location. Look for an area that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil. Concord grapes prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. If your soil is not within this range, you can amend it with lime or sulfur.

## Preparing the Soil

Before planting your Concord grape vines, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Start by removing any weeds or grass in the planting area. You can do this by hand or using a tiller. Next, mix in organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Work the organic matter into the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.

## Planting the Vines

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to plant your Concord grape vines. Begin by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your vine. Place the vine in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the roots are covered. Water the vine thoroughly to help settle the soil.

## Training the Vines

To help your Concord grape vines grow and produce fruit, you will need to train them to a trellis or support system. This will also help prevent damage to the vines from wind and pests. The most common training method for Concord grapes is the four-arm Kniffin system. This involves training four main branches along a trellis or wire, with additional lateral branches emerging from each of the main arms.

## Watering and Fertilizing

Water your Concord grape vines deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods. Be sure to water directly at the base of the plant rather than from above to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage disease. Fertilize your vines with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.

## Pruning and Maintenance

To keep your Concord grape vines healthy and productive, you will need to prune and maintain them regularly. Prune your vines in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. You should also prune back any shoots growing from the base of the trunk. During the growing season, remove any shoots growing from the main arms that are not needed for fruit production.

## Harvesting

Concord grapes typically ripen in late summer or early fall. The grapes should be blue-black in color and feel soft to the touch. To harvest your grapes, simply cut the clusters from the vine with pruning shears. Be sure to harvest your grapes before the first frost.

## Conclusion

Growing Concord grapes requires some effort and patience, but the rewards are worth it. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown grapes in your garden.