Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or snack | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own grapes right from your backyard? Or maybe you have a grape plant or two and are unsure of how to care for them. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we demystify the art and science of growing grapes at home with commercial agriculture specialist Dr. Elizabeth Wahle. From selecting disease-resistant cultivars to growing and training grape vines, managing pests, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUxI1tupXNI

Skip to what you want to know:  

  00:23 - Welcome, Ken. What's your favorite way to consume grapes?

  02:17 - Welcome, Elizabeth.

  03:47 - What are the key things someone should consider before planting grapes in their backyard?

  05:40 - Are there specific grape varieties that are best suited for beginners or small spaces?

  08:27 - Can people grow grapes in containers?

  10:55 - How big will a typical grape plant get? 

  12:01 - How important is climate and soil type when choosing grape varieties?

  16:31 - When is the best time of year to plant grapevines?

  19:11 - What kind of support structures do grapevines need (e.g., trellises, arbors)? 

  22:25 - Herbicides and the problems they can cause on grapes

  24:10 - Do we need more than one type of grape for pollination? Are they self-pollinating? 

  25:26 - What are the most common mistakes new growers make? 

  29:07 - How do you prune grapevines, and why is it so important? Plus, a few more common grape growing mistakes.

  34:31 - What pests or diseases should backyard growers watch out for?

  40:20 - Growing grapes organically in Illinois

  43:10 - What should someone do if their vines aren't producing fruit?

  45:53 - Are there any low-maintenance grape varieties - "plant and forget"?

  49:03 - How do you know when grapes are ready to harvest?

  50:56 - Any tips for storing or preserving grapes after harvest?

  54:15 - Elizabeth, what's your favorite way to consume grapes, what is your favorite grape variety, and why?

  56:56 - Any final words of encouragement for someone thinking about starting their grape-growing journey?
   58:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Contact us! 

Chris Enroth: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing

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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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