CARE OF GRAPE VINES 
51 
so badly washed that not even weeds would grow on it. They filled up 
the ditches and planted the vines, used enough fertilizer to take care 
of the immediate needs, and drilled cow peas in the space between the 
rows. The first crop paid a handsome profit over and above all expenses. 
Grapes bear about the third year, but where there is a long growing 
season they can often be made to produce a moderate crop the second 
season. Prepare the ground as described on page 11. Grapes can be 
planted either in the spring or fall. There is no risk from fall planting 
in the Northern States, because the tops can be covered by several 
shovelfuls of earth, which will protect them from injury from cold. 
This dirt should be raked off in the spring. _ • 
The sooner you get the vines in the ground the longer time they will 
have to become established. Those planted late in the spring will start 
growing promptly and make a good growth. But early-planted vines 
start off early, and, having a longer growing season, make a heavier 
growth, and for that reason produce a larger crop the first bearing season. 
Pruning at p«t the roots 
T-.1 J.- I'- to stubs 8 or 10 
Planting iime inches long. Cut 
off the tops, leaving two or three 
sound buds. Many growers allow 
the vines to trail over the ground 
the first summer, which is all right if 
the ground is well drained and the 
weeds are not allowed to grow. If it 
is weedy, it is necessary to set. a lath, 
and tie up the young shoots so the 
ground around them can be kept well 
cultivated. 
If the vine makes a good growth 
of 5 to 8 feet, the wire trellis may be 
put up the next year. In the North, 
where the summers are short, the 
vine is again cut back to three or four 
sound buds at the end of the first 
season's growth, and allowed to grow 
over the ground, or the young shoots 
are tied to the stakes during the sec- 
ond summer. The permanent trellis 
should be set before the second or 
third summer, depending on the 
growth which the vine has made, as 
outlined above. 
Grape Vines. 
Trim oil the roots as Indicated 
by the lonij black line In the above 
cut. Cut back the canes at the top, 
leaving two or three sound buds 
on each stub as Indicated by the 
short black lines. 
Time to Prune Grape vines can 
be pruned in win- 
ter any time except when the vines 
are frozen. Never let them go until 
the sap starts, because if pruned then, 
they will "bleed," and the wounds 
will be longer in healing. 
Plnntimr They may be planted 8 to 10 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet 
x-ittiiiiiig ^jjg ^ g^j^^ pjg^^ jg the vines 8 feet apart in rows 10 
Distance feet wide. The rows should be wide enough for a wagon to 
drive between them. , ^ 
Grape vines are sold as one and two-year stock. One-year-old grape 
vines are preferred by those who have had experience. They cost less, 
and come into bearing just as soon. 
