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How to Make Healthy Grape Popsicles

October 12, 2021 by mamashomesteadjournal Leave a Comment

Whether you are conscious of your family’s sugar consumption or interested in only using simple ingredients in your kitchen, this grape popsicle recipe is sure to please. Follow along to learn how to make healthy grape popsicles.

hand holding grape popsicle

We bought a popsicle mold two summers ago, and it has been worth it’s weight in gold! Making healthy popsicles is one of my favorite desserts or summertime snacks to serve my family. When the kiddos are running around outside and want a refreshing snack, I am always prepared with healthy and cold treat to keep them satisfied!

We often have the cousins over during the summer. Since we homeschool, we cherish these days with the kids’ cousins out of school. We make the most of these long days with plenty of swimming and playdates. It is so important to me that I stay stocked up with healthy snacks to feed a crowd. I love seeing all of the kids playing outside with a cold summertime treat.

Grape popsicles are one of our favorite’s because we usually have an abundance of grapes at the end of summer. Between making home-canned grape juice, grape jam, grape jelly, and just enjoying as many fresh grapes as possible we really get the most out of the grapes we grow here on the homestead.

kid making healthy grape popsicles

Making these healthy grape popsicles is just another way to preserve the harvest. They also keep for quite a long time, if the freezer space is available.

grape popsicles sitting on ice

Health Benefits

Making homemade anything is my favorite. I like to know every ingredient that I am feeding my family. Some store-bought popsicles are laden with preservatives and chemicals. I find this so unappealing, especially when the simpler product is even better! Homemade popsicles can be made with less sugar. They often have less calories, depending on the recipe. I like to hide ingredients that my children might other wise turn their nose up at. Homemade greens powder is a winner! Adding protein is another great idea to boost the nutrition of this simple snack.

Tools and Ingredients for Healthy Grape popsicles

Equipment Needed

  • Good Quality Popsicle Mold
  • Popsicle Sticks
  • Wrappers to store finished popsicles
  • Freezer with a level flat surface
empty popsicle mold on counter next to healthy grape juice

Ingredients

  • Home-Canned Grape Juice or Store Bought
  • Grapes
woman holding home canned grape juice in front of popsicle mold

How to Make Healthy Grape Popsicles

These healthy grape popsicles can be made by simply pouring grape juice into the mold. If you ware wanting to add some fiber and texture to these pops then follow the first three steps below before pouring popsicles into the mold.

  1. Wash and step grapes
  2. Chop grapes coarsely
  3. Add 1 Tablespoon of chopped grapes to each mold
  4. Pour grape juice into the molds filling each mold with 1/2 inch headspace
  5. Cover and add popsicle sticks according to user directions on your specific popsicle mold.
  6. Freeze for at least 6 hours
  7. When ready to enjoy make sure to let entire mold sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to remove from popsicle mold with ease.
  8. Slowly pull each popsicle from mold.
  9. Enjoy, or package up for later.
boy filling popsicle molds with grape juice

Tips for making healthy grape popsicles

Follow the directions on the popsicle mold

Popsicle molds come in all different shapes and sizes and made from different materials. It makes sense that there would be different user instructions for each. Be sure to use the method that best suits your popsicle mold to get the best results.

Use the best quality ingredients

Organic homegrown is always the best in my book, but if you are going to the store then be sure to read the ingredient labels. 100% pure fruit juice is the best!

Let the kids help

This recipe is so easy that my older kids can make it themselves. They love taking ownership of tasks in the kitchen and this is one of them! I have assigned to my six year old this task of keeping the popsicle mold always filled. It is a chore she is always happy to do…because the payoff is delicious!

Be patient!

I know it is tempting to pull them out of the freezer early when there are little ones chomping at the bit to taste, but it really is best to wait until they are completely set up before pulling them otherwise you risk them falling apart and making slushies!

Do research on the mold that is right for you

Though it is tempting to buy a mold with the reusable popsicle handles, it is personally not my favorite. Anytime I have used of those molds, the sticks end up lost. Additionally, being able to package up a popsicle for later allows more to be made right away. Trust me, this is a lifesaver with a house full of hungry kids!

woman holding healthy grape popsicles over ice

Variations of Healthy Grape Popsicles

  • Use Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or milk to make these popsicles cream based and more dense.
  • Throw in a dash of vanilla to make these vanilla grape.
  • Add homemade greens powder to boost the nutrition.
  • Mix and match different fruit and vegetable juices…get creative!

Get Creative!

Here are some other ingredients you might consider adding to these grape popsicles:

  • Combine with other fruit juices
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Vanilla protein powder
  • Homemade greens powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • lemon or orange zest
  • Raisins

The possibilities are truly endless! Any classic grape flavor lover will come back again and again to this simple recipe. My husband’s favorite flavor of any candy is grape! With these simple grape popsicles he is never without a healthier version of a dessert or refreshing snack. Additionally, making grape popsicles helps to preserve the harvest when we are knee deep in grape-y goodness during the summertime. I hope you give these grape popsicles a try! I think your family will like them just as much as mine does.

grapes in basket with grape leaf

How long will healthy grape popsicles last?

Knowing how long something lasts is of importance to me. We like to keep a good stockpile, but do not like food waste. These healthy grape popsicles will last up to three months simply packaged in your freezer. If you need them to last longer, just throw them into a freezer bag. Like this, they should last up to six months.

Yield: 8 popsicles

Healthy Grape Popsicles

woman holding healthy grape popsicles over ice

These healthy grape popsicles are sure to be a crowd pleaser, and they are so easy to make and kept stocked as a healthy refreshing snack!

Ingredients

  • Popsicle Mold
  • Popsicle Sticks
  • Home-Canned Grape Juice or Store Bought
  • Grapes

Instructions

1. Chop grapes coarsely

2. Add 1 Tablespoon of chopped grapes to each mold

3. Pour grape juice into the molds filling each mold with 1/2 inch headspace

4. Cover and add popsicle sticks according to user directions on your specific popsicle mold.

5. Freeze for at least 6 hours

6. When ready to enjoy make sure to let entire mold sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to remove from popsicle mold with ease.

7. Slowly pull each popsicle from mold.

8. Enjoy, or package up for later.

© mamashomesteadjournal

Other Posts you Might Be Interested In

How to Grow Grapes

Home Canned grape Juice

Filed Under: dessert, RECIPES

How to Get Canning Done with Kids

August 12, 2021 by mamashomesteadjournal Leave a Comment

These 7 tips to get canning done with kids will set you on your way to getting more food put up this season, and enjoy your little ones in the process.

woman cooking in the kitchen while holding baby

It is easy to admire the women of the past as great heroines of history. How did Ma Ingalls get it all done exactly? Women throughout history have farmed, kept a tidy home, and had children along for the ride. Getting traditional homesteading tasks, like canning, done with children in the house isn’t just for women of the past. Canning is for us modern homesteading mamas as well. If you are growing any considerable amount of fruits and/or vegetables in your garden, and want to make the most of that hard effort put into growing the produce, the task of preserving the harvest will be inevitable. Here are some tips to efficiently get canning done with children in the home.

girl canning in the kitchen

Set Reasonable Goals to Get Canning Done with Kids

When involving children in the process, short and sweet is best. Rather than knock out 5 canning projects in one day, pick 1-2 canning projects and save the rest for another day. Setting reasonable goals will allow children to not be exhausted by the long day. Additionally, choose your canning recipes wisely, some recipes ask long prep and processing times. If possible choose canning projects that are shorter and succinct.

When Getting Canning Done with Kids, Include them in the Process

Whether it be baking or cooking dinner, kids love to spend time with grown ups in the kitchen! Canning is no different. Have them harvest the vegetables, wash, prep, and gather supplies. Play music while you cook, and take the time to bond with your child. Make it a point to express how grateful you are for their help, and that there is no one in the world you would rather work on this canning project with. Like most kids, they will most likely just be thrilled to be a part of your world, but they may also be interested in the topic of canning, and food preservation.

Make It Educational

If you are anything like us as a homeschooling family. Every activity is fair game to be counted as school. The history of canning can be explored, the science behind the microorganisms, and the math that is involved in the recipe measurements can all be turned into a lesson. Depending on the age of your child, he or she can write a journal entry or report about his or her experience. Even if your child receives his or her education somewhere besides the home, learning at home is still a valuable experience for both child and parent.

boy cooking in the kitchen

Have Special Independent Activities Ready

Even if your child has enjoyed spending the time harvesting and prepping the food with you, there may be a time when they are ready to move onto something else. That’s okay! I like read or go outside for a bit while my jars are processing. If you child has decided they would prefer to do something else while you are still working though here are some ideas to keep them occupied:

  • Homemade Bubbles
  • Homemade Playdough
  • Write or Color in their Journal
  • Do a Puzzle, we like Photo Puzzles from Pinhole Press!
  • Send them on a Garden Scavenger Hunt

Talk about the Plans with the Food

One of my children’s favorite things to talk about is food! “What’s for dinner?” Is a frequently asked question at our house. Explaining what the plans are for after the food is preserved could be an interesting conversation, and engage your child in the process a bit more. A good idea would be to ask your child his or her opinions on how your family can use this food in the future.

Skip Cooking Other Meals

On days when you plan to can, it can be such a relief to not have to also prepare other meals. Of course, everyone still has to eat! However, planning on eating simply on a canning day is helpful. Here are some ideas:

  • Use a homemade freezer meal
  • Make a no cook recipe like salad or sandwiches
  • Plan to go out to eat!

Use Caution When learning how to get Canning Done With Kids

Lastly, I highly recommend using extreme caution while canning. Especially with kids, anytime there are knives, hot burners, and steam it is wise to be mindful. Canning with a pressure cooker requires special care and attention when small children are around. Canning productivity stops completely should there be an injury for yourself or your child.

Other Posts You May Like

Homestead Skills that are Fun for Kids

Farm Kid Chores

How to Get Started Canning for Beginners

Where to Get Produce for Canning

How to Start Homeschooling

how to get canning done with kids graphic

Filed Under: HOMESTEAD KIDS Tagged With: canning, cooking, homestead mom, homesteading with kids, how to, kids, motherhood

Home Canned Grape Juice

August 10, 2021 by mamashomesteadjournal Leave a Comment

Home Canned Grape juice is a refreshing way to take all those homegrown grapes and cook them down into their flavorful essence.

mason jar of ice cold grape juice

It is easy to get excited when your home vineyard or grapevines are producing. At the beginning of the ripening season, we are eating grapes like crazy! I find the kids out there every morning after I’ve “closed the kitchen” foraging for themselves in the grapevine. Their favorite is a Thompson Seedless/Concord Grape Cross…it’s delicious! If you haven’t got a grapevine on your homestead, I highly suggest planting at least one vine. We put in a home vineyard two years ago, so when the grapes are ripe, they are ripe! We do love to make homemade wine, but for the kids it is fun to put up some home canned grape juice for them to enjoy, long after the grapevine has died back. Here’s how I do it.

top of canning jar says grape juice

Special Equipment Needed to Make Home Canned Grape Juice

Boiling Water Bath Canner

A boiling water canner heats jars to 212 degrees F, enough to kill microorganisms found in high acid foods. The rack allows water to flow beneath the jars. for even heating. It also has handles that allow you to lower and lift jars easily into the hot water. Canners come in different sizes and finishes. 

2 Quart Jars & Lids

The perfect size for juice be sure to have these ready before getting started.

Jar Lifter

This tool lifts jars firmly and securely in and out of hot water. Use two hands and squeeze firmly. In a pinch, you can use kitchen tongs instead, but they are not as secure and safe.

Magnetic Wand Lifter

Trust me on this one, I went years without this handy dandy tool. The magnetic want enables you to drop the lids and rings into the hot water of the canner (no need to heat them in a separate pan) to sterilize and soften them and then easily lift them out from among jars and racks.

Measuring Spoons

Most sets have 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon. Quality metal spoons cost just a bit more and like metal measuring cups better release finely ground foods that might otherwise cling to plastic measuring spoons.

Ladles

Canning involves transferring liquids from one container to another, and a ladle does that quickly and precisely. Metal is ideal because it won’t melt if left too close to a burner.

Measuring Cups

Use measuring cups for dry goods, such as sugar. (Use glass ones for liquids; they measure differently.) Metal is more durable and finely ground food slides out of it more easily with no static cling. Most come in sets of 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 up, and 1/4 cup.

Clean Dry Kitchen Towels

These have many uses when canning, besides drying wet utensils. Use to wipe rims of jars. Lay a dry towel on the counter to set hot jars on (never directly on the counter, they may crack) or set on a wire rack. And of course, use them to wipe up spills.

Timer

I use the timer on my oven, but in case you want to leave the kitchen set one on your phone or bring some type of portable timer with you to remember what you’ve got processing on the stove.

Hot Pads

One pair is essential, but two is better so that you always have a clean, dry pair (wet hot pads conduct heat, resulting in burns).

Colander

Useful for washing the grapes. Line it with cheesecloth and set over a bowl to finely strain juices or canned juice or jellies.

concord grapes in colander

Large Sieve

Use this to press grapes through a sieve; discard seeds and cooked skins.

Cheesecloth

This Step is absolutely essential when making grape juice to collect any pulp or sediment.

Permanent Marker

Use to write labels on the tops of your jars indicating what is inside…trust me you’ll thank yourself later! I like to include the date so I know when to use up the food, as well.

quart of grape juice on counter

Ingredients to make Home Canned Grape Juice

  • 7 to 8 pounds Concord Grapes
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sugar (optional)

How to Make Home Canned Grape Juice

  1. Wash grapes; remove from stems.
  2. Measure 17 cups grapes.
  3. In a 6-quart kettle or pot combine grapes and 2 1/2 cups water; cover.
  4. Bring just to a simmer.
  5. Cover; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until grapes are softened, occasionally stirring gently.
  6. Remove from heart; strain through a colander lined with several layers of cheesecloth, pressing on grapes genly to extract juice.
  7. Transfer juice to a large clean pitcher.
  8. Cover; refrigerate for 24 hours.
  9. Without stirring, pour off and reserve clear liquid; discard sediment that collects at the bottom of the pitcher. If desired for clearer juice, pour juice through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
  10. In a large pot or kettle combine grape juice and, if using, sugar.
  11. Heat just to simmering, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  12. Skim any foam that collects on surface of juice.
  13. Ladle hot juice into clean, hot quart canning jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
  14. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process in a boiling-water canner for 5-minutes (start timing when water returns to boil). *
  15. Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks. Chill them thoroughly before serving.

*The processing time for this recipe is based on conditions at 1,000 feet or less below sea level. When processing at high altitudes adjust processing times.

girl pouring grape juice in jar

Ways to Enjoy Home Canned Grape Juice

Drink Fresh!

Serve over ice and drink up!

Make Grape Popsicles or Ice Cubes

Eating homemade popsicles, especially during the summer is one of my kid’s favorite snack! I opt to make ours homemade to avoid all of those icky artificial ingredients. Making homemade grape popsicles, from the home canned juice from the grapes that you harvested on your homestead could not be more locally sourced!

Make Mulled Grape Juice

Fall is just around the corner, and what would be more delicious than to serve a mulled grape juice after an afternoon at the pumpkin patch?

Other Posts You May Enjoy

How to Grow Grapes

Home Canned Grape Jam

Home Canned Grape Jelly 

How to Make Raisins

grape juice pinterest graphic
Yield: 2- Quarts

Home Canned Grape Juice

Home Canned Grape juice is a refreshing way to take all those homegrown grapes and cook them down into their flavorful essence.

Ingredients

  • 7 to 8 pounds Concord Grapes
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash grapes; remove from stems.
  2. Measure 17 cups grapes.
  3. In a 6-quart kettle or pot combine grapes and 2 1/2 cups water; cover.
  4. Bring just to a simmer.
  5. Cover; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until grapes are softened, occasionally stirring gently.
  6. Remove from heart; strain through a colander lined with several layers of cheesecloth, pressing on grapes genly to extract juice.
  7. Transfer juice to a large clean pitcher.
  8. Cover; refrigerate for 24 hours.
  9. Without stirring, pour off and reserve clear liquid; discard sediment that collects at the bottom of the pitcher. If desired for clearer juice, pour juice through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
  10. In a large pot or kettle combine grape juice and, if using, sugar.
  11. Heat just to simmering, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  12. Skim any foam that collects on surface of juice.
  13. Ladle hot juice into clean, hot quart canning jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
  14. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process in a boiling-water canner for 5-minutes (start timing when water returns to boil). *
  15. Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks. Chill them thoroughly before serving.
© mamashomesteadjournal

Filed Under: canning, RECIPES Tagged With: drinks, grape, grapes, juice, summer

Home Canned Grape Jam

August 9, 2021 by mamashomesteadjournal Leave a Comment

This home canned grape jam recipe is perfect to top toast, cookies, or to give as a gift. Preserve home grown concord grapes with this easy recipe for grape jam.

home canned grape jam on counter with grapes

Equipment Needed to Make Home Canned Grape Jam

Boiling Water Bath Canner

A boiling water canner heats jars to 212 degrees F, enough to kill microorganisms found in high acid foods. The rack allows water to flow beneath the jars. for even heating. It also has handles that allow you to lower and lift jars easily into the hot water. Canners come in different sizes and finishes. 

6-Half Pint Jars & Lids

The perfect size for jams and jellies be sure to have these ready before getting started.

Jar Lifter

This tool lifts jars firmly and securely in and out of hot water. Use two hands and squeeze firmly. In a pinch, you can use kitchen tongs instead, but they are not as secure and safe.

Magnetic Wand Lifter

Trust me on this one, I went years without this handy dandy tool. The magnetic want enables you to drop the lids and rings into the hot water of the canner (no need to heat them in a separate pan) to sterilize and soften them and then easily lift them out from among jars and racks.

Measuring Spoons

Most sets have 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon. Quality metal spoons cost just a bit more and like metal measuring cups better release finely ground foods that might otherwise cling to plastic measuring spoons.

Ladles

Canning involves transferring liquids from one container to another, and a ladle does that quickly and precisely. Metal is ideal because it won’t melt if left too close to a burner.

Measuring Cups

Use measuring cups for dry goods, such as sugar. (Use glass ones for liquids; they measure differently.) Metal is more durable and finely ground food slides out of it more easily with no static cling. Most come in sets of 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 up, and 1/4 cup.

Kitchen Towels

These have many uses when canning, besides drying wet utensils. Use to wipe rims of jars. Lay a dry towel on the counter to set hot jars on (never directly on the counter, they may crack) or set on a wire rack. And of course, use them to wipe up spills.

Timer

I use the timer on my oven, but in case you want to leave the kitchen set one on your phone or bring some type of portable timer with you to remember what you’ve got processing on the stove.

Hot Pads

One pair is essential, but two is better so that you always have a clean, dry pair (wet hot pads conduct heat, resulting in burns).

Colander

Useful for washing the grapes. Line it with cheesecloth and set over a bowl to finely strain juices or canned juice or jellies.

concord grapes in colander

Large Sieve

Use this to press grapes through a sieve; discard seeds and cooked skins.

Permanent Marker

Use to write labels on the tops of your jars indicating what is inside…trust me you’ll thank yourself later! I like to include the date so I know when to use up the food, as well.

Home Canned Grape Jam Ingredient List

  • 3 1/2 Pounds of Concord Grapes
  • 2 Cups of Water
  • 4 1/2 Cups Sugar
woman holding jar of jam

How to Make Home Canned Grape Jam

  1. Wash and sterilize 6-half pints, keep warm until jars are ready to be filled.
  2. Wash and stem grapes under cold water making sure to remove any bits of leaf or stem.
  3. In an 8- or 10- quart heavy kettle or pot add the grapes.
  4. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until very soft.
  5. Press grapes through a sieve; discard seeds and cooked skins.
  6. Measure 3 cups of strained pulp; return to kettle.
  7. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
  8. Uncover; stir in sugar.
  9. Bring Mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring often. Boil uncovered, for 18 to 24 minutes or until jam sheets off a metal spoon.
  10. Remove kettle from heat; quickly skim off foam with a metal spoon.
  11. Immediately ladle jam into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
  12. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids.
  13. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 5 minutes* (start timing when water returns to boil.)
  14. Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks.

*The processing time for this recipe is based on conditions at 1,000 feet or less below sea level. When processing at high altitudes adjust processing times.

hand holding spoon with home canned grape jam on it

Helpful Tips for Making Home Canned Grape Jam

Use only Concord Grapes when making home canned grape jam

Unfortunately, other grapes will not work for this jam, but concord Grapes are easy to grow and the vines last for decades. If you don’t have them growing in your yard, a friend or a neighbor might. Otherwise look for concord grapes at these other sources for produce.

Use Granulated or Preserving Sugar to make home canned grape jam

Granulated sugar is okay for high-pectin fruits such as apples, gooseberries, limes, lemons, and cranberries. “Preserving sugar” is more expensive, but will help set low-pectin fruits without the need to add lemon juice. Always make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before bringing to a boil. If not, the result will be visible and grainy.

home canned grape jam on counter

Ideas to Enjoy Home Canned Grape Jam

  • Spread on Homemade Basic Scones
  • Spread on Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread to make a PB&J
  • Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Other Posts You May be Interested In

Home Canned Grape Juice 

Home Canned Grape Jelly 

Grape Popsicles 

How to Make Raisins

How to Grow Grapes

Yield: 6- Half Pints

Home Canned Grape Jam

grape jam on counter

This home canned grape jam recipe is perfect to top toast, cookies, or to give as a gift. Preserve home grown concord grapes with this easy recipe for grape jam.

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 Pounds of Concord Grapes
  • 2 Cups of Water
  • 4 1/2 Cups Sugar

Instructions

  1. Wash and sterilize 6-half pints, keep warm until jars are ready to be filled.
  2. Wash and stem grapes under cold water making sure to remove any bits of leaf or stem.
  3. In an 8- or 10- quart heavy kettle or pot add the grapes.
  4. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until very soft.
  5. Press grapes through a sieve; discard seeds and cooked skins.
  6. Measure 3 cups of strained pulp; return to kettle.
  7. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
  8. Uncover; stir in sugar.
  9. Bring Mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring often. Boil uncovered, for 18 to 24 minutes or until jam sheets off a metal spoon.
  10. Remove kettle from heat; quickly skim off foam with a metal spoon.
  11. Immediately ladle jam into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
  12. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids.
  13. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 5 minutes* (start timing when water returns to boil.)
  14. Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks.

Notes

*The processing time for this recipe is based on conditions at 1,000 feet or less below sea level. When processing at high altitudes adjust processing times.

© mamashomesteadjournal

Filed Under: canning, RECIPES Tagged With: canning, grape, jam

How to Grow Grapes

August 6, 2021 by mamashomesteadjournal Leave a Comment

Learning how to grow grapes will add much value to your garden. A home vineyard is a sure way to have fresh fruit year after year right within your own backyard.

grapes in basket with grape leaf

Having an yearly vegetable plot is fulfilling on many different levels, but can be exhausting. Relying only on annuals as the edibles that make up a home garden is not the most efficient way to produce food at home. Adding perennials like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes is an excellent way to work smarter, not harder. Still perennials require some maintenance, and grapes are no exception.

Let’s explore how to grow the best grapes possible for your home vineyard.

Decide Why You Want to Learn How to Grow Grapes

This really is the first step because it allows you to know what type of grape to buy and where they should be located on the property. Are you hoping to start a new winemaking hobby? Or just have table grapes to snack on during the summer? Are you wanting to plant an abundance and press them into juice or make jam. Or just a few to have fresh? Knowing your “why” will allow you to start and the best possible foot.

grapes piled in colander

Decide where you will plant the grapes

Once you’ve decided on why you want to grow grapes, choosing a location is the next step. Choosing where you are going to plant your grapes should be done even before heading to your local nursery. I have had a bad habit in the past of getting excited at the nursery and buying more than planned (guilty!) Those plants tend to not do as well as one’s that I’ve planned for.

Get the site ready

Grape vines should be located in sites with well-drained sandy soil that receive full sun. Work at least 2″ of organic soil conditioner into the top 10″ of the planting site. Grape vines require a trellis or support system, but at first they won’t need one. As a general rule, each grapevine needs about 4 feet to 5 feet of trellis space. It’s a good idea to position the trellis before planting the grape vines.

Buy the grape vines

There are many varieties of grapes. Table grapes are one’s grown to eat fresh from the vine, while wine grapes are better used to make wine. Choose plants based on what zone you are in as well what you are planning to do with the grapes. Popular varieties of table grapes include Concord, Red Flame, and (my favorite!) Thompson Seedless. Popular varieties of wine grapes include zinfandel and chardonnay.

girl in flower dress holding cluster of grapes

Plant the grapes!

Once home from the nursery, soak the vines in a bucket of water to keep the roots hydrated. Dig a planting hole. If planting multiple vines, space the holes at least 5 feet to 8 feet apart. Put the grape vine in the hole and fan out its roots. The point on the stem where the roots flare out should be about 1inch below the soil line. Fill around the roots, with soil until the hole is full. Add mulch around the vines

Prune the vines

Proper pruning techniques can make or break the success of a grape vine i cannot stress this enough! After planting, prune the vine back to just one vigorous cane. The following spring, prune all but the most vigorous canes. Carefully tie the remaining canes to the trellis with twine. In future years, continue to keep only the most vigorous canes while pruning older, weaker ones.

Set up irrigation to grow grapes

Freshly planted grape vines need a good amount of water while they are getting established. Drip irrigation is the best method since it prevents water from getting on the leaves, which can cause disease. For older vines, too little water is better than too much water.

grapes overflowing basket with yellow flowers

Thin the fruit to grow grapes in the future

I know it’s hard to do but, during the first year, thin all the flower clusters that appear on the vines. This focuses the plant’s energy on producing healthy leaves, branches and roots. In following years, thin flower clusters to just one or two per shoot. This provides more room for the remaining clusters to grow to full size. By the third year you should a decent crop of grapes to harvest.

Harvest the grapes

The best way to tell when table grapes are ready for harvest is by tasting them! My kids are usually the one’s to alert me on whether the grapes are ready! Grapes don’t ripen after picking, so make sure they’re fully ripe before harvesting them. For wine grapes, the use of a refractometer to test the fruit’s sugar content may be necessary. The grapes should have between 18 and 22 percent sugar.

hand holding cluster of grapes

After you learn how to grow grapes

Check out my favorite recipes featuring grapes

  • Homemade Grape Jam
  • Homemade Grape Jelly
  • Home-Canned Grape Juice
  • Grape Popsicles
  • Goat Cheese and Roasted Grape Salad

Other posts you may be interested in

  • How to Make Raisins
  • How to Make Wine: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Kid’s Favorite Edibles for your Backyard
  • 5 Easy Ways to Preserve Grapes

Filed Under: FARM, garden Tagged With: grapes, growing tips, how to, vineyard

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Hi! I’m Brianna! Take a peek into my journal as I homestead in the midst of motherhood. Welcome!

Recent Posts

  • How to Make Healthy Grape Popsicles
  • How to Get Canning Done with Kids
  • Home Canned Grape Juice
  • Home Canned Grape Jam
  • How to Grow Grapes

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