Grape Vine?

[fidgiegirl]

We have two crazy grape vines on our new property.

I have no idea of the variety, and we moved in the fall. There was evidence that grapes had fruited, but they were so shriveled by then . . . and of course they got gobbled up over the winter.

Anyway, these puppies need tamed, but I'm not sure how, and with the early spring, wondering if we missed the boat? They have already leafed out.

My friend suggested starting over completely, but that sounds so radical.

I will try to post a pic tomorrow if weather cooperates.

I guess I'm not too super attached because eventually we will build a garage that will do them in, anyway. But that could be in 1 year or 10, so I hate to do something too boneheaded in the meanwhile.

[Rosemary]

There are wild grapes all over our area, so it's possible that's what they are. I planted a winter-hardy table grape a few years ago and it has yet to fruit.

See pruning and other tips for grapes here:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1103.html

Very detailed pruning instructions:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/resources/winegrape/ag535-2.pdf
(says to prune between the time the vines drop their leaves and when new buds appear in the spring - page 4)

[goldensmom]

Taming you say? Pruning you mean? We've had several varieties of grapes for 30+ years. I've read books and articles about pruning, how to, when to etc. but my method has always been to do what I can when I can (comes from being employed out of the home and too many things to do). I prune at any time of year, prune to whatever I think looks good and allows me to mow and trim around the arbors. I've not killed a grapevine yet and have always had an abundance of grapes. Grapes are pretty hardy. That is my method but I'd probably do it 'by the book' if I had the time and will to do so.