Guide to Soil Prep for Vines

Flowering and ornamental vines are a beautiful delicate accent to any flower garden but are not the only vine plant. Many vegetables and fruit also bear their products off vines. What is the secret of growing gorgeous and bountiful vines? The best answer to that lies in your soil. Soil preparation is everything. Just like anything else, without the proper nutrients, things just are not as productive. You know where you want to plant your vines, but is the soil suitable for these delicate plants? Take soil samples from the location you intend on planting in and take it to your local horticultural expert at a Agriculture Extension Office and ask them to test it. Tell them what you intend on planting in this soil and they will give you a full analysis of your soil and tell you what nutrients may be missing.

Melons grow on vines but do not suit well in the same soil you would plant grapes or Clematis. Melons prefer more of a sandy soil; other vine crops prefer a heavier soil like pumpkins. Some soil textures can be improved by adding organic matter. Know your soil texture and pick the vine best suited for it and your needs.

Steps in preparing your soil for your vine of choice are imperative for success and your diligence will pay off in the end. Basic soil preparation follows as so:

1. Rototill the ground about 8 inches down. The deeper the better. By tilling deep you kill anything green that once grew there and it provides a loose soil that is easier to work with. It also exposes any rocks or roots that could later become a problem. Make sure you remove these as you rototill.

2. Next, according to the analysis you received from the Ag Dept., add the necessary nutrients, if any, that are missing from your soil according to the experts recommendations. Rototill the required nutrients into the soil thoroughly.

3. Vine crops like fertilizer but do not use a "Weed and Feed" type on vegetable vines. It will kill the vegetable plant. Compost and other natural fertilizers like cow manure is the best route. Make sure you put it deep enough to where the roots of your vines will reach it, but not so deep they will not benefit from it.

4. Cover the fertilizer with soil prior to placing seed or plants in furrows. Furrows are deep ruts you either make with a hoe or plow blade, depending on the vine and depth needed for planting.

5. Grapes vine soil preparation should be done in the fall time before you plant.

These are the basic steps and tips for preparing your soil for vine plants. Seeding or planting time varies dependant upon what you are growing, just as the texture and nutrients required for your soil vary for particular vines. By follow the planting season according to the seed package or instructions from nursery where you purchased your vines and proper soil preparation you will be the envy of your neighbors.

Resources used:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/