moving a grape vine

treehugger80 · September 2019

i'm thinking about moving a grape vine I planted three years ago in one of my polytunnels,

my neighbouring plot has grown a hedge which now shades out the polytunnel (which is fine as I use it as a potting shed anyway) however the grapevine is now suffering.

so I want to move it, its currently in a 6 inch high raised bed.

the question is, do I move it in autumn or spring?, and is it actually possible to move it?, its not been in the ground too long and so i'm hoping the majority of the roots will be in the improved soil in the raised bit of the bed, but not into the heavy clay below it.

any advice welcome

jenny794 · September 2019

Grapevines are very hardy. In Southern Europe, they chop back and move them all the time - even old plants. Wait until the plant is at its most dormant (probably Feb). Cut it back (if you haven't already) and then try to dig up as much of the root bowl as you can. Note many vines have very long deep thick roots which you might have to cut or chop to move it. Try to get as much as of the root as possible which will involve a lot of work.

steephill · September 2019

I have successfully moved a couple which had been in place for 3 years but weren't happy. I suggest waiting till they are fully dormant before moving so late autumn but I think you might be OK up to early spring before bud break. Prepare the receiving hole first and move with as big a root ball as you can manage. I would also take some hardwood cuttings before moving it as insurance.

treehugger80 · September 2019

thanks, you've confirmed everything i'd found out on the internet searches i've been doing and ruled out other things i'd also found out from internet searches!

move in February, take as big of a root ball as possible, take cuttings at the same time - just in case

moving a grape vine

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