Varieties and independent production of trellises for grapes

Grapes are a climbing crop with flexible and thin shoots. In order for a plant to develop properly, not break, and bear fruit abundantly, it needs support. It will protect the crop from damage and prevent the berries from rotting when they come into contact with the ground.

Trellis for grapes are sold in specialized stores. However, buying enough produce for a large vineyard is expensive. It is cheaper to assemble a frame of the correct size for the plants yourself. What varieties are there and how to make a grape support yourself, read on.

The purpose of the trellis

The frame is required for the proper development of grapes and fixation of shoots. Thanks to it, the branches are in a vertical position and do not touch the ground.

Advantages of using a grape stand:

1. Air exchange. Due to the even distribution of branches along the support, the plant is ventilated from all sides.
2. Reducing the risk of plant infection from shoots and pests. When in contact with the ground, the likelihood of fungal and pest spores getting on the grape branches increases significantly. Constant ventilation and rapid evaporation of moisture create unfavorable conditions for the development of infection.
3. Better lighting. Leaves and berries receive the same amount of light from all directions. This has a beneficial effect on the taste and quantity of berries, as well as the growth of the crop.
4. Support. The grape shoots are flexible but thin. Without support, they will break under the weight of the fruit.
5. Space saving. The vertical arrangement of the vines allows you to create vineyards with your own hands, even in dachas and small suburban areas.
6. Aesthetics. Vines on trellises look beautiful and fit into the garden landscape. With their help, the site is zoned.
7. Convenience. It is easier to care for vines on trellises: in this position, the gardener can better see which shoots to remove and which ones to cure. It is more convenient to harvest from horizontal vines.

Material options for grape support

Grape trellises are made from different materials. The table shows the main advantages and disadvantages of popular options.

In addition to the pillars, to create a trellis you will need wire (preferably copper), which is stretched between the elements. It is along it that the vines climb.

The wire is attached to the posts in different ways. In some cases, special fasteners are required. To install the pillars you will need concrete. Without this, the grape trellis will not last long.

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There are several types of grape racks:

• single-plane;
• two-plane;
• L-shaped;
• decorative

Each trellis is designed for either one plant or a whole row. In the second case, several rows of supports are compactly placed. Grapes of a certain variety are planted in one row. Different varieties of this crop have differences in care.

A simple way to create a single-plane support

A single-plane trellis is a group of pillars located at the same distance from each other, with one or more metal wires stretched between them. The structure got its name because the vines attached to it are located in the same plane.

This stand for grapes has the simplest design possible. Even a person far from construction work can handle its production. To assemble the trellis, you will need wire, posts and means for processing them (for certain materials).

Reference. Grapes on a single-plane stand are easy to trim and cover for the winter. Each shoot will be visible to the gardener. The structures do not take up much space and do not create much shadow. Flowers or herbs are often planted between them.

A single-plane trellis is not suitable for all grape varieties. Powerful spreading plants with several branches are difficult to place on such a support. In this case, there is a high risk of thickening of plantings, which will cause a decrease in yield and disease of the crop.

The optimal height of posts for a trellis is 2 m. Sometimes structures with a height of 1.8 to 3 m are built. The diameter of the side posts should not be less than 15 cm. For central elements, the optimal size is 7–10 cm.

The thickness of the wire varies within 2-3 mm. Aluminum, copper, galvanized products are suitable. Experienced gardeners recommend choosing galvanized wire, since copper and aluminum materials are often stolen.

Step-by-step instructions for making a single-plane stand for grapes:

1. Prepare the pillars. The part that will go underground is treated with protective compounds. Bitumen is used for metal products. Wooden poles are soaked in a 5% solution of copper sulfate for 10 days.
2. Dig holes 1 m deep. The distance between them should be from 4 to 6 m. A distance of at least 100 cm is maintained between the rows.
3. The posts are inserted into the holes with the treated part facing down. They are buried, compacting the earth layer by layer. Some gardeners pour concrete into load-bearing elements.
4. Some of the supports located above the ground are being processed. The metal is painted. Wooden elements are impregnated with special products or varnished.
5. Wire is stretched between the posts, preferably in 3–5 rows.The bottom row should be located at least 40 cm from the ground. Leave 35–45 cm between rows. To secure the wire, use staples, nails or rings made of the same wire.

According to this scheme, vineyards of different heights and lengths are made. The main thing is to pay close attention to each stage.

This option is optimal for covering, non-spreading varieties. It is preferred by summer residents or owners of small plots.

Two-plane frame

Two-plane supports accommodate a larger number of shoots. Such structures consist of 2 single-plane trellises connected to each other.

Double-plane trellises are highly durable. They can withstand the weight of even thick and heavy branches. It is convenient to place shoots of spreading varieties on them. This option is suitable for shade-tolerant, frost-resistant varieties that are not covered for the winter. Supports with two planes are chosen by owners of large vineyards.

Double-plane trellises are more difficult to assemble than single-plane trellises. To secure them you will need a concrete composition.

Method for manufacturing a two-plane trellis:

1. The pillars are treated with protective compounds. The part that will be underground is covered with bitumen (for metal elements) or soaked in a solution of copper sulfate (for wooden products). The upper part of the pillar is coated with paints or impregnated with protective agents.
2. Dig holes 50 cm deep and 30 cm in diameter parallel to each other every 80 cm. Make several such groups at a distance of 4–6 m.
3. A pipe is inserted into the pits at an angle so that a distance of 120 cm is maintained between the upper ends of the elements of each group. The position is fixed with crushed stone.You should get a wedge measuring 80 cm at the bottom and 120 cm at the top.
4. Cement is poured into the holes. The solution is allowed to harden completely.
5. The wire is pulled between the rows on both sides of the wedges at a distance of 50 cm from each other. The height from the ground to the first row should be 60 cm. To secure the wire, holes are drilled in wooden posts, and special hooks and staples are installed on metal ones.

L-shaped trellis

An L-shaped trellis is one of the types of single-plane structures. Its peculiarity is that the pillars resemble the letter G.

This support is used for grapes with great growth force. This is a good alternative for spreading varieties of crops in small areas.

The easiest way is to make the structure from wood. To create a metal corner support, welding will be required.

How to make a trellis in the shape of the letter L:

1. Wooden poles are soaked in a solution of copper sulfate for 10 days. Then they are painted, varnished or coated with a special antibacterial impregnation.
2. Dig holes 50 cm deep and 30 cm in diameter. A distance of 4–6 m is maintained between them.
3. Posts are installed in the pits perpendicular to the surface of the earth. They are fixed with crushed stone and filled with cement. The concrete is allowed to dry and harden.
4. Wire is pulled in rows between the L-shaped posts. The bottom one should be at a height of 40–50 cm from the ground, the distance between the others should be 35–60 cm.
5. A wire is also pulled between the parts of the pillars that are parallel to the ground. Usually make 3 rows at equal distances from each other.

Features of decorative trellises for grapes

Decorative trellises have a more complex design. They not only fit organically into the garden landscape, but also decorate it.

Mostly such supports are used for decorative grape varieties, for example, virgin grapes. Sometimes used for tall, spreading varieties of fruiting crops.

Such structures can withstand heavy loads. They are made in the form:

• gazebos;
• fence;
• arches;
• gratings, etc.

Often a balcony serves as a decorative trellis. Sometimes the grilles are attached directly to the wall of the house.

The disadvantages of such options are bulkiness, manufacturing complexity, and high cost. However, they are not able to support a large number of plants.

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Conclusion

Without trellises, the grape vines will end up on the ground. This will cause it to become infected with diseases and damaged by pests, reduce productivity, rotting berries, and deteriorate air circulation.

Vine supports not only perform practical functions, but also decorate the site. You can make them yourself using a drawing.