You may plant grape vines in either spring or fall. If you plant them in the fall, mound soil above the surface in the root zone and then remove the extra soil in the spring. If you are planting in spring, order nursery vines early enough to plant them while they are still dormant.  If planting must be delayed for several days after the plants arrive from the nursery, moisten the packing material around the roots, place the plants in a plastic bag, and store in a cool root cellar or garage. Before planting grapevines, soak their roots in water for two or three hours. Plant grapevines 6 to 8 feet apart within the row. Plant vigorous varieties, such as Concord, 8 feet apart. Less vigorous varieties may be planted 6 feet apart. Space rows at least 9 feet apart. Make the planting holes slightly larger than the root systems of the plants. Set plants into the soil at about the level they grew in the nursery. The soil line mark and root initials indicate this level. If grafted vinifera or European grapes are planted, the graft union should be two to four inches above the final soil level, but not so high that it cannot be covered with soil for winter protection. Backfill with the original soil from the hole. Firm soil around the roots and construct a basin around each plant, then water plants thoroughly. Grapevines require approximately 1 inch of water per week through the first growing season. Water plants every 7 to 10 days during dry weather.

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