Simply stretch out your hand from the lounger and nibble on sun-kissed grapes. It doesn't take much effort to cultivate vines on the balcony. Find out here how easy it is to plant and care for your plants.

Skillfully plant vines on the balcony

Knowledgeable hobby gardeners do not need a vineyard to grow vines. If you know what you're doing, you can plant vines on the balcony without further ado. As long as warm, sheltered conditions prevail here, the plan can succeed. An essential prerequisite is the sufficiently large bucket, which has a minimum volume of 10-20 liters and has an opening in the bottom for water drainage. Follow these steps:

  • best planting time is in spring
  • create a drainage over the water outlet made of potsherds or pebbles
  • the ideal substrate is a mix of clay, peat, compost and sand
  • put the vine in water for a day
  • plant so that the grafting point is 4-5 centimeters above the substrate
  • install a stake or trellis and water

Finally, the strongest shoot is loosely tied to the trellis. If you plant a bare-root vine, the root strands are shortened to a length of 10 centimeters beforehand.

Useful care tips for grapevines on the balcony

A regular supply of water and nutrients forms the basis for vital vines, which deliver a rich harvest of fruity grapes in autumn. Do not let the substrate dry out. From April to September, the vines enjoy a dose of organic liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. A close-meshed net protects against thieving birds.

Pruning is on the agenda every year in February/March. If you want a compact growth habit, cut back the main shoot to the desired height. New shoots sprout from the two upper eyes, which will bear fruit next year. If you strive for fan-shaped growth on the trellis, more side shoots will remain on the trunk. A maximum of 4-5 exits with 8-10 new shoots are recommended.

Since vines in the bucket could freeze through during the winter, they need protection. Alternatively, shorten all shoots to overwinter them in bright and frost-free quarters. Every 3 to 4 years, vines are transplanted on the balcony after the winter break.

tips and tricks

You like to eat grapes, but not the seeds? Don't just throw away the grape seeds. They make a first class mulch for potted vines.

Category:

Vegetable garden