Plans for a Grape Arbor

The Facts

• Grapevines can grow more than 10 feet long in either direction, and carry many pounds of fruit at a time. The vines need support to stay up off the ground, and give both leaves and fruit adequate exposure to sun and air for growth and ripening.

Trellising

• Grapes require a trellis from the moment that they begin vining, as the trellis aids in both training and pruning. Gardeners should build a trellis as soon as they plant their grapes.

Plans

• Eight-foot trellis stakes should sit just behind or to the sides of the grapevines, with 8 to 10 feet between posts. This spacing gives the posts and trellis system strength for holding up the vines and fruit. Gardeners should use 8- to 11-gauge wire for the "steps" of the trellis to provide support for the vines. These steps should sit at the top of the stakes, 1 to 2 feet below that, and 1 to 2 feet below that for a three-level training system. The bottom step must be at least 2 feet off the ground.