Looking for advice on growing grapes in MA

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LOVIE2 Boston, MA(Zone 6a) Apr 17, 2010

Hi! I am really tempted to try my hand at growing grapes this year. I have researched but can't really find any step by step instructions or what to do for my area. I'm in Boston - Zone 6 (I think). I have a good size yard but the thought of adding an arbor doesn't fit the layout. I have a North facing wall that gets a good amount of sunlight and has fencing attached above it. Think i could do it there? The wall is about 3-4 feet high and the fencing about the same height, giving me a good 7-8 feet from the ground. The width is about 35 -40 feet for just that area. I have mainly flowers planted in that area but am thinking of moving my herbs to that area this year.
I also have another fence (just as wide) that is right behind my raised bed, that gets sunlight all day long BUT i found virgina creeper growing there last year and it freak me out to think another vine may intertwine with the grapes as I I'm not trying to hurt anyone! Am I on the right path? should I look to place them elsewhere?

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Monolith Holyoke, MA Apr 18, 2010

Hey Lovie

I'm far from an expert gardener, but I think I can help. I'm in western MA (Springfield area), and have had grapes growing just about everywhere. There's a trellis in my parents back yard (south facing, but highly shaded from a dozen very tall trees) that has had grapes growing on it for at least 50 years. Several years ago they enlarged the arbor and planted a few more grape vines, and they all took off like a rocket.

Also, in one of the local state parks, along the river are tons and tons of wild grape vines... and they're all heavily shaded by the tree cover as well. Speaking from experience alone, it seems to me that grapes LOVE MA, and will grow just about anywhere you put them. I don't think you'll have any trouble with that north-facing wall.

I'm sure other more experienced gardeners here can give you more professional advice, but just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.

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LOVIE2 Boston, MA(Zone 6a) Apr 20, 2010

Thank you so much Monolith! I think I am going to try them out and see what happens. I've gotten a bit ambitious and will be building my own trellis! Pray for me! lol

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Monolith Holyoke, MA Apr 23, 2010

Good luck! Let me know how it turns out. :D

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