Planting bare root grapevines is a great way to start your own vineyard or backyard trellisābut thereās one thing that will make or break your success: WATER. Proper hydration is absolutely essential for getting grapevines established in their first few months.
Hereās everything you need to know to give your vines a strong startāfrom soaking the roots to surviving drought.
šŖ£ Before Planting: Soak the Roots
Start your grapevine planting off right by soaking the bare roots in a bucket of clean water for 4ā12 hours before planting. This step:
- Rehydrates the plant after shipping,
- Wakes the vine from dormancy,
- Reduces transplant shock.
š” Do not soak for more than 24 hours. Plant immediately after soaking for the best results.
š± Step 1: Water Deeply After Planting
After planting, water your grapevine slowly and deeply. This is critical for:
- Settling the soil around the roots,
- Eliminating air pockets,
- Providing immediate hydration to kickstart growth.
ā Mix Soil Moist Transplant Mix into the planting hole. It absorbs water and slowly releases it to the roots, reducing the frequency of watering and improving survivalāespecially in sandy or dry soils.
šļø Weeks 1ā2: Keep the Roots Moist
During the first two weeks:
- Water every 2ā3 days depending on soil drainage and weather.
- Water slowly at the base to allow deep root penetration.
- Wilting or curling leaves are signs your vine is thirstyādonāt wait to water.
š§ Consistency is key. Grapevines hate dry starts.
šļø Weeks 3ā8: Establish Deep Roots
As roots grow:
- Water once or twice per week, deeply and thoroughly.
- If youāre in a windy or hot climate, increase watering frequency.
- Always check for drooping or pale leavesāthose are signs of water stress.
Apply 2ā3 inches of mulch (wood chips or straw) around the base to retain moisture, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
āļø Drought Conditions: How to Keep Vines Alive
Grapevines are drought-tolerant once matureābut newly planted vines need water to survive dry periods.
In drought:
- Water twice per week, with 1ā2 gallons per vine.
- Water in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Mulch heavily and reapply as needed.
- Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix at plantingāit stores water underground and dramatically improves drought survival.
šæ A single missed watering during drought can lead to transplant failure. Stay ahead of it!
š Whereās the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Grapevines?
Hands down: Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC.
Hereās why:
- ā Top-quality bare root grapevines ready to thrive
- ā Fastest shippingāso you plant on time
- ā Lowest prices and widest selection
- ā
FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
Ā Ā Ā Ā ā Store credit if your plant doesnāt survive
Ā Ā Ā Ā ā Zero Stress. All Success.
š Shop Grape Vines Now


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