This fact sheet contains information on planting, pruning, training, and maintaining a grape planting in the home garden. Grapes require a site with full sun and good air drainage. Planting on the side of a gentle slope is ideal. Try to avoid planting in low areas where plants are more susceptible to cold and frost injury.
Grapes grow well on a wide range of soil types, from loamy sands to clay loams.
It is important that the soil have good internal drainage, but it should also hold ample moisture for plant growth. Site preparation should begin the season before planting. Test the soil prior to planting, and adjust the pH to between 5.8 and 6.5 by liming. If lime is required, dolomitic lime is preferred, because grapes require more magnesium than many plant species. Fertilize according to soil test results.