510 



GROWING GRAPES 



In regions where snowfall and drifting are not a factor, gal- 

 vanized-steel posts have given satisfaction. They will not, 

 however, withstand strong side pressures, breaking off at the 

 ground. 



The wire trellis is the arbor of commerce. Place strong 

 posts, firmly anchored and braced, at the ends of the rows 

 (Fig. 203). At appropriate distances, insert posts in the row 

 to support the wires, attached to the posts by staples extra 

 long. These staples are not driven into the wood full length, 

 as in building a fence, but are left so that the wires may play 



through the manipulation of hammer and pliers around the end 

 posts. 



Number 10 wire, well galvanized, running about 2000 feet 

 per hundred pounds, is easily handled and makes a strong 

 trellis. Some growers prefer the heavier No. 9 wire, and 

 others No. 11. 



Use two wires per row, running the lower from 30 to 36 

 inches from the ground, depending on the variety and location. 

 It should be high enough to permit free air circulation beneath 

 the canes which will be attached to it. 



The second or top wire should be about 24 inches above the 

 first wire. Put the wires on the sides of the posts toward the 

 prevailing winds, so that pressure may be against the posts 

 rather than the wires. The strain on the trellis under a heavy 

 load of foliage and fruit is very great. For the same reason 

 bring the vines up and train them on the windward side of 

 the trellis. 



Fig. 203. This is the common method of 

 bracing the end posts of the trelHs. 



freely through them. 

 This permits the 

 wires to be tightened 

 from the ends of the 

 row, through the use 

 of patent fasteners or 

 stretchers which may 

 be turned up as the 

 wires become slack, or 



