I plan to make a grape bed 18 inches wide by 30 feet long. Is 18 inches wide OK? Or should I make it wider? I can go up to 24 inches wide if I have to.

What is good to use for a trellis? I prefer not top use pressure treated wood as I am worried about the poison leeching into the soil

Thanks

18" wide is enough for grape feet. 4 foot wide is probably closer to how wide grape will become. Irregardles of how you want it. If that interferes with walkways, build your trellis up enough so you can walk underneath it. Figure one vine per 8 feet of length.

I have seen cobbles used for mulch in some vinyards. Just know they do need low N food and water near their feet.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom C zone 4/5:
18" wide is enough for grape feet. 4 foot wide is probably closer to how wide grape will become. Irregardles of how you want it. If that interferes with walkways, build your trellis up enough so you can walk underneath it. Figure one vine per 8 feet of length.

I have seen cobbles used for mulch in some vinyards. Just know they do need low N food and water near their feet.

Does the vine extend 4 feet left and 4 feet right for a total of 8 feet?

I was going to use a 4 foot fence to trellis it on. Is that high enough?

Grape has a mind of its own. You can put in verticle posts and run 2-3 or 4 wires paralel to the ground, It'll still bush out some and might stay more or less in your 18" deep space.
Or do "T" shaped trellis and run 3 or 4 wires on the top of the "T". I've given up on a 4 foot tall trellis. So which ever trellis I build next (post or "T") it'll be more than 6 feet to the top wire.

Up is the one direction grape really really wants to grow to.

I'm no help, this is just my dream.

A 36" wide winding pathway of stepping stones and small gravel, bordered on each side by 18 wide beds that grow grape vines. Every 6 feet or so, a verticle post, supporting an arbor or trellis that shades the length of the path from my front gate, through the garden and up to the front door. Grape vines dressing the arbor to provide a cool shaded entry path to the garden and on to the house.

Alas, I am told, it's just to cold for grapes here...maybe clematis instead...

A ramada or porch-walkway with a grape roof has been popular and IMO luxurious peice of yard furniture.

Our grapes have a trellis with the tee at 7 feet. Most of the vines grow along those wires, some on the wires at 4 and 2 feet, but they mostly like the top row. Very old white and blue concords, btw.

Thanks to all responders.

Do I have to tie the vines to the wires or will it attach itself?

In the growing season grapes will tie them selves to your wire. You may have to tie some branches after pruning.