Types

• Gardeners can choose seedless table cultivars, seeded types or wine varieties. Varieties fall under the classification of American, French-American hybrids used for wine making, and European. Fruit can appear greenish-white, red, blue, black and purple, depending on the cultivar. Look for cultivars that are resistant to diseases that are prevalent in your area. Each cultivar ripens at a different time, so consider choosing two or three types to offer ample fruit over a greater length of time. A family only needs six grapevines to provide a bountiful crop of edible grapes each year. One grape vine will produce approximately 10 lbs. of fruit each year, according to the North Carolina State University's website.
  
  

Planting

• Find a planting site that provides the grape vines with full sunlight. Place the vines where they have some wind protection. The ideal planting site should have sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.3 to 6. Consider preparing the planting location a year prior to planting the grape vines. Applying aged manure to the soil can help build up its organic content. Plant grape vines in the spring, using 1-year-old plants.
  
  

Pruning

• Always plant grape vines at the same depth they were planted in their nursery containers. Space each plant approximately 8 to 10 feet apart to offer ample growth room. Consider pruning newly planted grape vines to one strong cane. Tie the grape vine loosely to a stake or trellis constructed from wire. During the grape vine's second year, tie four canes that branch off the trunk to the trellis. Prune away all other canes to encourage the remaining canes to grow stronger. Pruning should always take place in the spring or fall.
  
  

Care

• The young grape vine will benefit from an application of general purpose fertilizer three weeks after planting. Each spring, fertilize the grape vine to provide it with adequate nutrition. The young grape vine will also benefit from moist soil as it establishes itself. Applying mulch over the soil's surface will aid the soil in staying moist and reduce weed growth. Consider untying the vines from the trellis and covering them with mulch to help protect them during harsh winters. Monitor the plants closely to detect any possible diseases or pests. Grape vines will usually begin producing fruit at around 3 years of age.