I'm thinking about removing two fence panels in my front garden that separate two paths and instead growing grape vines there to create a "fruiting fence." I'm curious about how practical this idea really is and whether it will work in terms of maintenance, fruit production, and overall feasibility.
2 Answers
It could work, but be prepared for a wait! Grape vines take a few years to establish, but once they do, they can grow quite quickly. Just keep in mind that you'll likely spend more time pruning than you expect. It's definitely doable, but patience is key!
I have an old grapevine in my garden, and trust me, it's a lot of work. It doesn't serve well as a fence since it creates a tangled mess of growth every year. Plus, the existing fence helps keep the plants warm, which is essential for grape production. If you're thinking of having it act as a boundary, you might not achieve full coverage, especially at the bottom. But if visibility and movement are not a concern, it could still be interesting!
I'm aiming to train it like an espalier apple tree, with wires about 1ft off the ground for a total height of 4ft. The space is around 5 meters long. I want it to define the boundary without completely blocking light, and since I live near lots of vineyards, I think they'll thrive here without needing extra warmth from a wall.