Grant County Herald

THE GRAPE
Brief Directions for Planting, Pruning, Training and Protecting Grape Vines.

There are many opinions as to what soil is best adapted to the culture and growth of the grape. It is admitted by all that the grape vine will grow and thrive in almost any soil that is fertile. The grape will do the best and attain to greater perfection in a loose, friable or gravelly loam, sufficiently elevated to be thoroughly drained. A dry sub-soil is less objectionable than light sand.

Having made the soil loose and fine by deep plowing or spading, holes should be dug about ten inches deep sufficiently large to receive all the roots properly extended. The vine should be so planted as to leave the crown or base of the root two or three inches higher than the ends; or in other words, the roots should all incline toward the outer edge of the hole. Mulch the vines with coarse manure, and keep the soil loose and clean.

Grapes require winter protection in this climate. Vines should be pruned in autumn, when the frost loosens the leaves. In laying them down use coarse straw. All vines planted in autumn should have winter protection.

In pruning and training the first season allow only two canes to grow. About the close of August pinch off the ends, and in the fall cut down to three or four good eyes.

The Concord is the best native grape in America and is more widely cultivated than any other. The vine is hardy and productive. It is a kind of grape which colors early, and the wine it makes is of the most excellent quality

The Hartford Prolific is also good. It ripens early, and will thrive in almost any soil. It is an excellent table grape and makes fair wine. Every man who owns an acre of land ought to plant grape vines. Any soil that is good for corn and potatoes is also good enough for grapes