This is such a feel good story for me. I planted the Muscadine vines 4 years ago and this morning I was so ecstatic to see that they are finally producing Grape Clusters. Muscadine Grapes Aka Swamp Grape are very prevalent in the South. Often times while hunting Its a great treat to find a producing vine and works magic in using them to ambush pigs when they are ripe. As a youngster all my dad ever talked about was the Muscadine Grape and when I finally had a chance to taste one I was pleasantly surprised.
The Grape is so sweet when ripe. It is unique in that it has a hard shell unlike most grapes with soft shells. The Hard shell definitely works into making sure the grape is protected from the intense heat and humidity that is so indigenous to the South. And while other Grapes suffer.. This Grape thrives. The hard shell also works really well in its defense against bugs. But bugs and heat are not what I am worried about. I have a feeling my dog is going to do more than damage than any bug will.
I look forward to seeing the development of my grapes. This is truly an exciting time and the timing is unbelievable. So with fingers crossed I hope to be making jam and definitely try my hand at some amazing wine later on this year. All in all this growing season seems to be starting off very well with the very short winter we received. Urban Farming couldn't get any better. Happy Gardening!!
This is such a feel good story for me. I planted the Muscadine vines 4 years ago and this morning I was so ecstatic to see that they are finally producing Grape Clusters. Muscadine Grapes Aka Swamp Grape are very prevalent in the South. Often times while hunting Its a great treat to find a producing vine and works magic in using them to ambush pigs when they are ripe. As a youngster all my dad ever talked about was the Muscadine Grape and when I finally had a chance to taste one I was pleasantly surprised. 
The Grape is so sweet when ripe. It is unique in that it has a hard shell unlike most grapes with soft shells. The Hard shell definitely works into making sure the grape is protected from the intense heat and humidity that is so indigenous to the South. And while other Grapes suffer.. This Grape thrives. The hard shell also works really well in its defense against bugs. But bugs and heat are not what I am worried about. I have a feeling my dog is going to do more than damage than any bug will. 
I look forward to seeing the development of my grapes. This is truly an exciting time and the timing is unbelievable. So with fingers crossed I hope to be making jam and definitely try my hand at some amazing wine later on this year. All in all this growing season seems to be starting off very well with the very short winter we received. Urban Farming couldn't get any better. Happy Gardening!!
8 comments:
So glad to hear that. I bought two muscadine grape vines last fall, they are still in their conatiners but I need to get them in the ground at the farm. I can't tell what yours are growing on, is that a fence for something else? Or did you build something specially for the grapes? I'm trying to decide the best way/place to plant them and if I need to build something soon, I need to get on that, ha. Like you, I can't wait to get some grape jelly later (and maybe even the wine!). It's probably not feasible this season, but I can get them in the ground and hopefully have some next year!
1st Man... Thanx for your post!! I had a fence built.. If you search the blog I have some better pics of the fence. I have 5 seperate vines all together and they grew up and out the first few years.... but never produced any fruit. I should have taken a soil reading.. The main thing that needs to happen is the vines need to form an elaborate root system. I noticed that the base of the of the root has really widened out in this 4th year. I also did two things this go around that I never did before. One was pruning. I pruned alot. I only left main vines that were running across the fence that I could manipulate easily in the winter. 2nd I started adding phosphate to the soil around it... Honestly it could be total coincedence that they are finally fruiting this year. I would like to think that I had a lot to do with it.. But brother all you need to do is set those vines along a fence line and they will take care of themselves. I would give it 3 years at least to form a solid root base and vine structure and then trim it back.. Especially after year 3.. Good Luck!! I cant wait to post about the jam and wine.. Thats only if they dont get eaten up by the dog, the kids and the wife!!
Lovely post! Great insights you shared. Indeed it is very intellectual.
Good to know about your blog i have visit and i am very inspired from you..
Thanks for sharing with us.
Garden centre Mid Glamorgan
Any, Shed, Gcmg.. Thx for your comments.. I look forward to sharing many more post with you:)
I'm really glad I found your blog. For the past few years I've been striving for more self-sufficiency in my life as well. I've added gardening, fishing, and foraging to my list of hobbies.
I've got muscadines growing like weeds on a fence line next to my straw bale garden. I've been hacking the vines down to keep them from strangling my tomatoes. I won't mind harvesting what's left though...I can already feel the seeds in my teeth.
Thx for stopping in Braddock,Im currently in on the road.. Im lookg forward to getting back to the house and seeing what has come of the grapes.. Im keeping my fingers crossed brother!! Muscadines are so prolific.. you definetly get more bang for your buck... I hope I have a seed problem.. if I dont.. I know my damn dog will:)
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