How to Grow Your Own Organic Grapes
Grapes are one of those fruits that are pretty tasteless if you buy them in supermarkets. They are not the easiest fruits to grow, but worth a go if you like them – or making homemade wine!
True berries (strangely unlike strawberries!), grapes have been grown for over 8000 years. They are one of the most produced fruits on earth, 70% of them are used to make wine. The cloudy ‘bloom’ that appears when growing grapes is harmless, it’s just a natural wax to protect the fruit.
One single grapevine can produce up to 40 clusters (that 3,000 grapes!)
Grapes (and raisins) are toxic to pets, so keep them well away from animal friends.
Never microwave grapes. The science is complicated, but doing this (especially if sliced) can create a dangerous fireball in your kitchen. Who knew?
What you need to grow organic grapes
Grapes need some expertise to grow, but it can be done, as evidenced by many lovely organic English wines we have on sale. They need well-draining soil in a south or south-west facing sheltered location. Most grapes are grown in the south of England, due to more suitable weather.
England’s damp climate means that grapes are at risk from many fungal diseases, so choosing naturally resistant varieties, means you can grow organic versions safely. Two good varieties are Phoenix (a white grape) and Muscat Bleu (a blue-black grape).
- Read up on pet-friendly gardens for plants and mulches (like cocoa) to avoid
- Use humane non-toxic methods to deter slugs/snails
- For indoor plants and greenhouses, use Feather Friendly bird tape to stop birds flying into windows (avoid facing indoor plants to face gardens).
Use fruit protector bags (never use netting as this can trap birds and wildlife). Fasten over fruit as it starts to ripen, and leave until harvest (remove during flowering to let bees pollinate, or no fruit will develop). If laundered, use a microfiber filter.
Plant grape vines against south or south-west facing brick walls or fences, to absorb and radiate daytime heat. This also helps to avoid ‘frost pockets’ where cold air trapped in spring can kill tender new shoots.
Never give your grapes ‘wet feet’ as they don’t like waterlogged roots. Be sure to mix in organic matter and/or heavy grit for heavy clay soils (grapes like a neutral PH of 6 to 6.8). Add garden lime for acidic soils.
You can plant bare-root or container-grown vines during winter, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. If using support systems, ensure these are biodegradable (not plastic). Space vines 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart.
Each spring, apply a thick layer of organic compost or straw around the base to naturally suppress weeds and help preserve soil moisture. Poor airflow encourages mildew, so prune away excess summer leaves around fruit clusters, to let the sunshine in, and keep the canopy dry. Prune vines each winter to maintain structure.
Where to buy sustainable grapevines
If you can’t find sustainable grapevines locally:
Rocket Gardens sells white grapevines in plastic-free packaging. Shipped in January for winter planting.
This company’s vegetables and herbs are organic, the grapes are the best we could find commercially (in sustainable packaging).
Ways to eat fresh organic grapes
Grapes are a choking hazard for young children (under 5) and people with swallowing difficulties (for older children, quarter or slice them lengthwise). Also keep grapes (and raisins) away from pets.
Grapes are best avoided for people on blood-thinning medications, kidney disease and people with fructose intolerance, ISB or salicylate sensitivity.
- Eat as is – organic grapes are delicious!
- Serve with good vegan cheddar and walnuts.
- Waldorf Salad: Mix grapes with tart apple chunks, celery and walnuts in a creamy lemon vegan mayo.
