Country Enterprise - Grow vines in vineyards outside south of a line from Pembroke to the the Wash

<P> There is an imaginary line drawn from Pembroke to the Wash and if you live south of it, you can grow vines on south-facing slopes. </P><P>If you live to the north of it, you require the additional shelter of a wall. In exposed areas the grapes will only ripen under glass. Grapes should be planted between October and March. The most successful transplants are usually one-year-old ones. The vines require staking and a top dressing of compost. The variety you choose should be governed first by the weather in your area and second by the type of grapes you wish to produce. </P><P>On heavy soils you may well need to drain, using broken rubble or some- thing similar. If you are fortunate enough to have an established vineyard in your area, you may be able to go on a tour of it. Here you can gather all sorts of valuable information. The varieties used, how they are trained, the work in progress on them and so on. </P><P>Often vineyards sell young vines as part of their business; if the plants are growing well in your area, at least any questions about suitable hardiness are answered. Vineyards often use plastic netting as wind-breaks and for protection from frost. If you can keep an eye on a professional producer it makes your first few years easier. </P><P> <A HREF=orchard5.htm>pembroke to the Wash</A></P>