We have about a dozen clusters. So far, the deer and the birds have left this alone this growing season, but I’m still very wary. I have to get some mosquito netting to throw over the vine.

I just can’t wait!

My grapevine survived its first winter, the scads of chomping, humgry deer, and the vicious Japanese beetle attack last summer. Now, it has to survive the bugs, the birds, strong winds, and curious children. Here’s hoping!

Anyway, we’ve been taking advantage of the wonderful weather and have begun slaving away at the gardens! Leftover autumn leaves have been raked, large weeds pulled (I can’t believe they are so large already), and we’ve begun planting things. I wish I could get the veggies in the vegetable garden, but we haven’t tilled the beds for those yet.

I’m hoping next week will be the big week. I did get my grape vine in, though! I got it delivered via mail by Johnny’s Selected Seeds. I pray it does well, it costs enough! I think the hardest part will be keeping the deer away. And that will be a very difficult task…

Here’s the play by play in photos. The vine comes bareroot and was packaged quite well. I soaked it in water for a few minutes. It is recommended that the roots soak for 24 hours… but I am too impatient. Once I get going, I need to get going.

I dug the hole. This was only the beginning. The vine roots were so long that I had to dig a trench! Vine roots need a lot of space. You can’t scrunch them all up in a round hole, or the vine may die. The first year of growth is critical, so planting it correctly is important.

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I noticed that the grape vine had begun to bud. This is a poor sign in a bareroot plant because it means the plant has started to come out of its dormant state; but in a grape vine it is not a severe problem. Grape vines continue to produce buds, and are pretty hardy. So even if these buds don’t survive, more will come. Grape vines are also frost hardy (light frosts). Perfect for Upstate NY.

Here’s the finished product. I have to get more mulch and add more. It may be 80 degrees this week, but next week– who knows? Mulch will give the roots extra protection until the plant is established.

I’m looking forward to table grapes and maybe even some wine in the future!