Tradition & Innovation since 1957
planting guidelines
Take the guesswork out of planting with our easy-to-follow tips and tricks! Whether you're a seasoned grower or planting for the first time, our guide will help ensure your vines get off to a strong start.
Planting by Hand
Preparing the Trench:
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For loose, recently tilled soil: Dig a trench 10 inches deep and 2 feet long.
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For settled or non-tilled soil: Dig a trench 8 inches deep.
Planting the Vine:
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Place the vine in the trench, spreading the roots evenly to each side.
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Partially backfill the trench with about 4 inches of soil. Press down on the soil to ensure good root-to-soil contact—lightly stomping with your foot works well.
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Finish backfilling the trench, covering the vine completely with loose soil.
Why Loose Soil Matters:
The loose soil protects the vine from drying out and shields it from frost injury.
Post-Planting Care:
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Once the vine starts growing and shoots emerge through the loose soil, carefully remove the hill of soil from around the vine to expose the graft union—do this only after the risk of late frost has passed.
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If you plan to use protective devices like grow tubes, this is the ideal time to install them.
Planting by Auger
Choosing the Right Auger:
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Use an auger with a diameter of at least 12 inches for best results.
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If using a smaller auger, drill two adjacent holes and connect them with a shovel.
Preparing the Hole:
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For loose, recently tilled soil: Auger a hole 10 inches deep.
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For settled or non-tilled soil: Auger a hole 8 inches deep.
Planting the Vine:
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Place the vine in the hole, fanning the roots evenly to each side.
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If the hole isn’t wide enough, position the vine’s trunk to one side and fan the roots outward.
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Backfill the hole with about 4 inches of soil and lightly stomp on it to ensure good root-to-soil contact.
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Continue backfilling until the vine is completely covered with soil.
Why Loose Soil Matters:
The loose soil provides essential protection against frost injury and prevents the roots from drying out.
Post-Planting Care:
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Once shoots begin to emerge and the risk of late frost has passed, carefully remove the excess soil around the vine to expose the graft union.
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Install protective devices, like grow tubes, at this stage if desired.
Avoid Common Auger Planting Mistakes:
Never plant in a partially filled deep hole, as soil beneath the vine can settle, leading to poor root-to-soil contact. This can also cause the vine to sink, making it difficult to keep the graft union above ground, which may result in scion rooting.
Planting with a Tree or Vine Planter
Why Use This Method?
This technique allows for efficient planting while maintaining excellent planting quality.
Preparing the Trench:
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For loose, recently tilled soil: Adjust the planter to dig a trench 10 inches deep.
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For settled or non-tilled soil: Set the planter to create an 8-inch-deep trench.
Planting the Vine:
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Place the vine in the trench, spreading the roots evenly to each side.
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While the planter's wheels press the soil around the roots, follow the machine to step firmly on the soil above the roots. This ensures proper root-to-soil contact. Use the heel of your shoe to press down on each side of the vine.
Covering the Vine:
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Fully cover the vine with soil, either using a shovel or a hilling-up machine.
Why Loose Soil Matters:
The loose soil protects the vine from drying out and prevents frost injury.
Post-Planting Care:
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When the vine starts to grow and shoots emerge through the soil, carefully remove the soil around the vine to expose the graft union—only after the risk of late frost has passed.
If using protective devices like grow tubes, now is the time to install them.
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