We moved into our house several months ago and there are 2 very large grape vines in the backyard.

I have no idea about plants or pruning or anything outdoorsy really :o

It is winter here and they have dropped all their leaves.

How and when do I prune them?
I was told that they have to be cut back very hard but how hard is too hard?

Have I missed the right time and killed them (please say no) :)

Hi! shazamataz

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

I have no idea about plants or pruning or anything outdoorsy really :o It is winter here and they have dropped all their leaves.How and when do I prune them?
I was told that they have to be cut back very hard but how hard is too hard?

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Let's see if we can help you there. Thank You for the heads up on the Seasons.

I was digging 'round in my 'marks and came up with:

A blog on vines, grapes and wine:
Pruning Grape Vines .net Blog Archive Advice on How to Prune Grape Vines

A 2pg PDF with some visuals:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/RG502.pdf

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

Have I missed the right time and killed them (please say no) :)

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No.


Hopefully they are supported on a wire system.

Now don't forget this is for the “States”, but should still work.
Late Winter to Early Spring. Don't prune like you were told, you must judge the main trunk and 2 to 4 branches off it, The individual vine/plant should have no more than 100 to 150 buds on it. Don't worry if its less.

If you can, weed and then compost.

A few years back, my older brother did co-op survival training with the 'Ozzie' army, spent a fortnight at Ayers rock and Had some Oz wine shipped to him. When he got back I had the chance to partake... Very pleasing!

p.s. thank you for visiting the UDT thread.

Cheers!

K

Thank you KUXJ, those links plus your own info are fantastic!

Yes, they are supported by wire, there is actually a wire section on the top of the fence they are against and they have grown onto that.
I'm glad I haven't killed them, I will wait until the end of winter before I attempt the pruning.


Hehe, yes I browse most of Ask Me Help Desk but unfortunately I don't have much to contribute to the gardening section other than questions :)

Your Welcome!

K