The Best Times to Plant Climbing Vines

Planting

• The earlier in the growing season you can plant your vine, the better. This typically means having your vines planted by late March, and early April, at the latest. The more time your vines have to grow and expand their root system before winter, the better chance you have of them surviving the cold temperatures.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize your plant regularly during its first season, regardless of when you plant it. Buy some high-quality fertilizer from your local home improvement store, and follow its instructions to ensure your plant is getting the nutrients it needs throughout the growing season. Fertilizer can lead to increased foliage growth, so keep an eye on the vine after your fertilize and keep the plant well pruned.

Pruning

• Pruning back your climbing plant several times through the year can help ensure it exerts sufficient energy in growing its root system. If you plant your climbing vine early in the season, there should be sufficient growth to warrant at least two prunings through the growing season. If your plant is a fruiting plant, such as a grapevine, consider snipping off any fruit clusters immediately upon spotting them on the vine. Your plant needs time to devote its resources to sending roots deeper into the soil and over a wider area to survive winter.

Watering

• Ensuring your vine gets sufficient water, without being overwatered, is key. Through the growing season, water the soil around your vine whenever you see it is dry to the touch. You do not want your plant sitting in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.