You are right, grape vines are sensitive to weed killer. All chemical weed killers would harm the vines, and if you plan on eating the grapes it’s best not to spray anything. Try to dig up the weeds as best as you can by hand, and then spread a thick 3-inch-layer of mulch or compost over the ground. Over the winter, lay a tarp over all weedy areas, leaving it to prevent new weed growth next spring. As for the age of the vines, it’s hard to tell the exact year, but you could ask the old owner if he remembers when he planted them. Lastly, you should remove the flower clusters as we suggested. If the vines have not been pruned in a year or two it’s best to have them focus their energy on growth, and then to prune them next spring. It’s a long process, but next year’s grapes will be healthier and more abundant.
Hi Dan,
You are right, grape vines are sensitive to weed killer. All chemical weed killers would harm the vines, and if you plan on eating the grapes it’s best not to spray anything. Try to dig up the weeds as best as you can by hand, and then spread a thick 3-inch-layer of mulch or compost over the ground. Over the winter, lay a tarp over all weedy areas, leaving it to prevent new weed growth next spring. As for the age of the vines, it’s hard to tell the exact year, but you could ask the old owner if he remembers when he planted them. Lastly, you should remove the flower clusters as we suggested. If the vines have not been pruned in a year or two it’s best to have them focus their energy on growth, and then to prune them next spring. It’s a long process, but next year’s grapes will be healthier and more abundant.