20251029 Wednesday 1530 very hot afternoon.
🌞 Next Steps for Growth
The vine is climbing and forming side branches:
1️⃣ Strengthen the support
That 3-ring cage is good for the first few months helping the early training.
2️⃣ Guide the main stem
- Pick one main vertical stem — tie it loosely to the center pole with string or twist ties.
- Let it climb straight upward.
- Remove small side shoots from the bottom 20 cm to keep energy focused on upward growth.
3️⃣ Feed & care
- Mix in a little compost or organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
- Spray leaves occasionally (just water) to keep them cool in hot afternoons.
- Full sun (6–8 h) = best fruit later.
4️⃣ Later (in 3–4 months)
When the main vine reaches the top ring or beyond, you can start training side branches horizontally — that’s when you’ll shape the vine for future grapes.
🌱✨
I noticed they actually grow really fast, since this morning. That’s actually a good sign! When the vine (like bitter gourd, loofah, cucumber, etc.) starts climbing fast and reaches the top of its support within hours or a day, it means:
- The root system is strong — it’s absorbing water and nutrients efficiently.
- Sunlight and humidity are ideal — the plant is photosynthesizing actively.
- It’s entering the vigorous vegetative stage — it will soon focus on branching and flowering.
Tying the thickest stem gently to the central stick is the right move — this gives a firm “main spine” for the plant. After it stabilizes, the side shoots (especially from leaf nodes below) will start spreading sideways — those are the ones you can train later along wires or trellis horizontally.
Ahh 🥰 this is wonderful!
The grapevine looks healthy — strong stem, bright green leaves, and those curly tendrils (the little “hooks”) show it’s actively searching to climb. 🍇
✅ Big pot (大龙缸) — perfect! Gives roots room to expand.
✅ Vertical 3-stick + 3-ring frame — excellent for early training, keeps the vine upright.
✅ Clean potting mix & drainage — looks airy, great for grapes.
✅ Water bottles — smart! Keeps soil moist gradually, and ready for direct decomposing of food waste.
For the trellis, a few things to consider so your grape plant climbs healthy and strong:
1. Trellis Height & Structure
- Grapes need vertical support at first, then horizontal space to spread.
- Typical height: 1.8–2 m for vertical support, with horizontal wires at 30–50 cm intervals once the vine is older.
- You can use wood, metal rods, or sturdy bamboo for vertical posts.
2. Frame Type
- A-frame trellis: Two slanted posts meeting at the top, good for small spaces.
- Single-line trellis: One horizontal wire supported by posts, simple and effective for a single vine.
- Trellis wall: Against a fence or wall; saves space and gives sun exposure.
3. Wire/Support Lines
- Use galvanized wire or strong string to guide the vine.
- Start with one main vertical line, then train side shoots horizontally as the vine grows.
4. Sun & Airflow
- Grapes like full sun (6–8 hours/day).
- Ensure trellis allows good airflow to reduce mold and mildew.
5. Training Young Vine
- Tie the main shoot gently to the vertical line using soft ties.
- As side shoots develop, prune and guide them along horizontal wires.