Novice Grape Growing Dilemma

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Steve1954 Lewiston, MI Jun 14, 2013

This is my third season with grapes rated for my zone 4b region -- King of the North; Reliance; Concord; Niagra. I get good growth each year (4 to 6 feet of vine) but, in spite of milder than normal winters, the vines die each spring and start over from the base. I planted the vines as directed -- water and fertilize by the book. Am I doing something wrong or does it merely take a few years for the root system to be strong enough to support the vine? Am I forgetting to do something in the fall/winter to protect the vines?

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shawki cairo, Egypt(Zone 9a) Jun 20, 2013

4b? That's cold. I can't think of anything other than cold damage.
Concord experiences bud damage and injury when temperatures drop to -20° F
Cane burial is practiced in some areas. It is a pain in the neck, but if it's winter kill you're experiencing, then it has to be done. Have someone experienced look at the dead canes, they can determine if it is indeed winter kill or sometining else.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck

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Steve1954 Lewiston, MI Jul 10, 2013

Thank you "shawki" for your advice. There are no local experts near this small rural community. So I did the next best thing: talked to anyone who I noticed had established trellised vines in their yard. Their response is that it takes up to five years for the root systems to establish themselves to where they are strong enough to support permanent vines. So, I'll give it some more time. But I'm going to try your suggestion of cane burial on one of my plants and see what happens.

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