Grapes can be grown at home outdoors provided you have a sheltered site and good soil. Alternatively, grapes can be cultivated indoors a greenhouse is fine, the protection allows more chance of success!
- Even if growing in a greenhouse, the roots of the vine should ideally be outside and trained in at a low level.
- Otherwise, ensure the soil outside is well irrigated.
- Inside, if planting in soil in the greenhouse, double-dig the soil, add well rotted manure or compost and Gromore fertiliser.
- Vines should be planted at the far end from the door, parallel to the walls. Planting in November or December is best as vines can be pruned without “bleeding”.
- In spring, add in Fish, Blood & Bone & once growth starts, feed with tomato feed every 3 weeks increasing to every week once vine in full leaf.
- Mulch in spring & summer with compost.
- If using a container use compost & a pot at least 12-15 inch diameter.
- Raw – grapes make a quick tasty snack and can be added to many dishes as a fresh texture and flavour.
- Some varieties of grapes can be made into wine.
Sweet & Spicy Grape Chutney
- Add oil to a non-stick pan & then add chile de arbol, 1/8th tsp of nigella seeds, cumin seed, black mustard seeds, fennel seeds & fenugreek seeds with 1 tsp finely minced ginger.
- Saute for 1 min & stir constantly.
- Add 1 cup red, 1 cup white, 1 cup black seedless grapes (sliced).
- Add 1 cup water, lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ½ cup sugar & salt.
- Boil for 20 minutes & gently stir.
- Serve with poppadoms & enjoy!