Fredonia is a blue-black Concord-type grape with very large berries. Its a deciduous vine that is normally grown for fruit, wine, and shade. Fredonia is utilized for both juice production and fresh eating. It requires full sun and medium amounts of water, with good drainage. When well cared for, it can be productive for 50 or more years.

Grape Vine 'Fredonia' Feeding Instructions

In general, grape vines are not heavy feeders and do not need much fertilizer after they are well-established. Too much fertilizer can stimulate wood and leaf growth rather than fruit production. Moderate amounts during the first and second years after planting will help stimulate young plants to size up for earlier fruit production.

First, you might want to have a soil or foliage test done through your Local Extension Service that can provide you with the type and amount of nutrients your soil may need for growing grape vines. The results of the soil test will tell you exactly what nutrients are needed and in what amounts.

Since you will be eating the fruit from your grape vines, consider feeding them organically. Organic-grown grapes will have outstanding quality because they have more natural resistance to poor weather or pestilence, and therefore tend to perform better. Organic vineyards choose organic methods to obtain the strongest and richest grapes possible, with the fewest detrimental effects on the environment, and their grapes reflect that dedication to quality.

Incoroporate a well-balanced organic fertilizer or compost into the soil at time of planting. Compost is especially beneficial to condition heavy clay soil that might retain too much water during the wet season and become hard as a brick during the dry season.

Fertilize again the following year in early Spring.

After the first two years, avoid excessive fertilizing which produces bountiful green growth at the expense of fruit production. Unless a soil test indicates the need for phosphorus or potassium, use only nitrogen fertilizer. Do not apply unless the plant leaves yellow during the early part of the season or if the plant is showing poor cane growth. Late feeding during the ripening period can force excessive growth which will spoil the fruit.

Grape Vine 'Fredonia' Pruning Instructions

Grape vines must be pruned heavily to bear good crops. After planting a grape vine tie it to a 6' stake allowing shoots to grow. During the first dormant season (Winter) choose the best shoot (upright vine/cane) and cut all other shoots to their bases. For the first three years after planting cut off all but six to eight bunches of immature grapes so that the energy can go toward strengthening the root system. From the fourth year on leave half the bunches on the vine.

Training begins at two years but the method varies depending on the grape variety. You can train grapes to scramble over sturdy fences, walls, and arbors, or you can build a simple post-and-wire trellis system. The Four-Armed Kniffin System is the easiest for home gardeners, and is most suitable for American varieties of grapes.

Grape Vine 'Fredonia' Pest Instructions

Caring for grapevines isn't too difficult. Grape vines are quite relient to pest's, so if you see a pest or two here and there, like the Japanese beetle, don't panic. The best thing you can do in regards to pest and disease management is to prevent problems. Keep pests in check by attracting beneficial insects and removing any infected fruit and foliage to prevent any larvae from overwintering. A study conducted by Iowa State University showed that although half of all organic vineyards surveyed had grape leafhoppers on their vines, the insects had minimal impact on the crop. Only 18 percent of organic grape growers surveyed used any kind of biological or botanical insecticide.

There is a way to keep insect pest populations at a controlled level without ever using any harmful substances. This way also requires that you do less work. When planting your fruiting plants, always leave a little room for a couple of "companion plantings." Companion planting is a practice by which you include plant types that draw or lure beneficial insects into your garden. Companion plantings can also include plants that are repellent to pest insects and therefore make your garden an inhospitable environment for them to live in. A companion plant can also be something useful for culinary purposes or just a way to add pretty flowers into the garden. The following list is just a few types of popular plants that you can include into your garden to lure beneficial insects:

Sweet Alyssum, this plant is very attractive when in bloom and provides a good nectar source for many adult beneficial insect species.

Basil, it's always a good idea to include basil in the garden at any time of year. The flowers are a rich source of pollen and nectar and you can use the leaves in the kitchen.

Dill, this is one of the best plants for luring beneficial insects into the garden. Dill flowers are very high in nectar and it is also one of the most useful of seasonings for cooking.

Mint, any member of this family of plants is very useful in drawing beneficial insects into the garden.

Marigolds and Nasturtium can handle a slew of buggy challenges. They thwart bugs that can harm your plants. The smell of marigolds will help to also deter rabbits and squirrels.

Plant Yarrow to attract ladybugs and lacewings, both of which will kill and eat many bad insect pest's.

Aside from planting some of these beneficial insect attracting plants, there are safer insecticidal soaps and sprays on the market that you should find at your local nursery and garden center.

Chemical Pest Control For The Vinyard

If you don't mind using them, there are several chemical solutions, such as Carbryl, that are most likely available at your local nursery and garden center.

Contact your Local Extension Agent to obtain current pest and disease management practices for grape vines in your area.