Grapes grow best with long, sunny summers and mild winters.
Grapes are old-world plants that do well if they get enough sun, drainage, water and nutrition. In San Diego's U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 10, gardeners can plant grapes anywhere that provides this mix of conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
History
According to The Reader, the friars of Mission San Diego planted grapevines in 1769, when they wanted to produce wine for their sacrament.
San Diego Growing Zones
San Diego sits in growing zone 10, and gets winter temperatures of only 30 to 40 degrees F. This lack of cold weather -- and frost, in many areas -- is ideal for grapes, which require a long, hot growing season. All of San Diego falls into this category, and hosts grape-growing weather. Gardeners in coastal San Diego may have slightly better success, with slightly warmer weather, than those in inland or desert San Diego.
Planting Site
Grapes require full drainage, sun and air circulation, and do best on slopes that face south. Gardeners must plant grapes where they have enough space -- around 8 to 10 feet per plant -- and can grow free of competition.
Growing Requirements
Grapes need deep, loose and nutritious soil in their planting site. If the garden doesn't provide naturally fertile soil, gardeners should mix organic compost and quick-draining garden soil into the site to give grapes what they need for growing.
Foundation
Grapes require support for their vines, and should always have a trellis or arbor system. Gardeners must choose a site that sits near a wall or has room for a trellis or arbor, to give the grapes the structural support they need.
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