There are countless named pruning and training systems for grapes used throughout the world. Spur –a cane pruned to 1-3 budsTrunk –a permanent main stem that supports the fruit-bearingĬordon –semi-permanent branches off of the trunkTrellis –the physical structure used as support Shoot –the current season’s growth (has leaves, tendrils, and fruit clusters)Ĭane –a one-year old shoot(each bud on a cane produces a shoot)
During the growing season, vines are trained to maintain a particular shape and to ensure that fruit are exposed to sunlight and airflow. Because healthy vines grow several feet per year and would naturally set far more fruit than they can ripen, they must be pruned each year when they are dormant to keep the vines producing fruit and to keep them from taking over an ever increasing space. Grapevines produce fruit on new growth each year. In this publication, we discuss the importance of pruning and training grapes, and describe some of the training systems that can be used successfully in home vineyards. A small home vineyard with even just a vine or two can be a beautiful and productive addition to the landscape, yard or patio.įor more complete information about choosing varieties and establishing a small home vineyard, see our publication Growing Grapes in New Hampshire. Home-grown grapes make excellent fresh eating, juices, jellies, raisins, and wine.