Vines can be grown outdoors in southern Britain, south of a line between Pembroke and the Wash, but with predicted temperature increases due to climate change, or in areas influenced by the Gulf Stream or with the protection of a warm wall, it is worth experimenting with cultivation north of this line. Use later-flowering cultivars in northern areas.
Site and soil preparation
Grapes need a sheltered site in full sun, ideally against a south- or south-west facing wall, or on a south- or south-west facing slope with the rows running north to south.
Avoid frost pockets unless temporary protection can be provided using horticultural fleece.
Vines tolerate a range of soil types, providing they are free draining. Sandy gravel over chalk is ideal. Improve drainage on heavy soils by adding well-rotted organic matter and grit. Install drainage systems if necessary. A pH of 6.5-6.8 is required, so lime acid soils to raise their pH.
Double dig soil before planting if necessary. Incorporate a light dressing of well-rotted manure or compost, plus general purpose fertiliser at 100g per sq. metre (3oz per sq. yard).
Planting
Plant vines in the dormant season from late autumn until early spring, to the same depth that they were in the pot, providing the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. In areas with cold winters, March planting is preferable. The vine stems should be greater than pencil thickness, so they are not damaged by frost. Tease out the roots and spread them evenly around the planting hole before backfilling with soil.
After planting, it is a good idea to mulch with well-rotted organic matter or chipped bark to protect the lower buds from frost. Remove the mulch from around the stem in spring, to stop the stem from rotting.
Space vines according to the method of training you wish to adopt. For more on this, see our pages on pruning and training grapes.
Feeding
In February, apply Growmore or other general fertiliser at 70g per sq. metre (2oz per sq. yard), plus sulphate of potash at 15g per sq m (½oz per sq yd) to 30cm (1ft) either side of the base of the vine.
Feed dessert grapes every two weeks with a high potassium fertiliser such as tomato feed, from a month after growth starts in the spring until the grapes start to ripen.
Watering
Although vines are fairly drought tolerant, they can suffer from the fungal disease powdery mildew if too dry at the roots, so water thoroughly in dry spring and summer weather.
Container cultivation
Grape vines can be grown in containers of general purpose potting media; loam-based John Innes No3 potting compost is ideal. Use a pot about 30-38cm (12-15in) in diameter and depth.