PRODUCING delicious homegrown table grapes sounds like the height of decadence, but is it possible? If you grow the right variety and you practise sound growing techniques, then the answer will be ‘yes’.
For the past six years, I have been curator of two mature dessert vines in a vast Victorian lean-to greenhouse: what a treat! That said, there have been pitfalls and lessons learnt as well as triumphs. Let me share them.
The roots are planted outside, then the stem is trained inside – this gives far easier maintenance than if they were totally under glass (even though that might give earlier harvests due to warm roots). I simply top up gaps in rainfall via a good soak with the hosepipe.
Both grapes are trained using the ‘rod-and-spur’ system. Around four rods per plant run permanently along the top of the greenhouse and off these, annual shoots arise via short, woody spurs. The annual shoots are simply pruned back every November.
Just desserts
My key annual maintenance tasks really do work (see my checklist on page 20). The varieties I grow are ‘Black Hamburg’ (seeded and needs thinning, would work in a sheltered sunny spot outdoors) and ‘Muscat of Alexandria’ (seeded and doesn’t need thinning, but does need a warm greenhouse). Most folk prefer seedless types these days but bear in mind that these prefer a glasshouse.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters