Backyard Vineyard
Not many things can be as rewarding, or challenging, as growing your own backyard grapes. Below are links to information sources specific for the hobby viticulturist.
Importance of Clean Plants and Quarantines
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Regardless of whether you are a commercial grape producer or a backyard enthusiast, Washington State has strict quarantines regarding where your grapes come from. DO NOT bring back grape plants from your trips abroad (whether domestic or international). Doing so may result in very strict fines, but more importantly, may bring in diseases and pests that could severely hurt the commercial grape industry. ONLY buy stock from reputable nurseries. More information on “planting clean” and WA quarantines are found here:
- FAQ’s about Clean Plants - Clean Plant Center – Northwest Grapes
- Certified Nurseries – Planting “Clean” is key to successful grape production in Washington State and beyond.
- Start Clean, Stay Clean – Video on Clean Plants in Washington State
Production Guides
Many different states in up-and-coming production areas have excellent resources on starting a small vineyard. The principles behind trellising and training a vine similar, and should help you in your backyard endeavors.
- Growing Grapes in the Home Garden – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension
- Growing Grapes in Your Home Garden – Oregon State University Extension
- Growing Grapes in the Home Garden - Colorado State University Extension
- Growing Grapes in the Backyard – University of California Cooperative Extension
Variety Selection for Your Backyard Vineyard
- Table Grapes for the Home Garden - Oregon State University
- Wine and Table Grapes for the Puget Sound – WSU Extension
- Cool Climate Wine and Juice Grape Varieties – Cornell University
- Cool Climate Table Grape Varieties – Cornell University
Trellising and Training Your Backyard Vineyard
- Training and Trellising Grapes - WSU #EB0637
- Pruning Backyard Grapes – Ohio State University Extension
- Pruning Grapes in the First 3 Years - Ohio State University Extension
- Pruning Vineyards – Penn State University Extension
- Grape Arbors – Texas AgriLife Extension
Pest Management in Your Backyard Vineyard
Pest management is one of the more challenging aspects for backyard gardeners. Use the following resources to help guide you in your understanding of grape pest management.
- WSDA – Pesticide Licensing Factsheet: Which license do I need, if I need one?
- WSU Grape Pests, Diseases and Disorders – WSU Webpage
- Calibrating Backpack Sprayers – Pacific Northwest Extension Publishing
- Calibrating Backpack Sprayers (Video) – Penn State University Pesticide Education
- Learning about Labels (Pesticides) – WSU # FSIPM001
- Pesticides: Safe Handling - WSU #FSIPM003e
- Pesticide Label Database – Crop Data Management Systems Database
Quick Links
WSU Master Gardener Program
Learn about gardening through your local Master Gardener program.
Grape Community of Practice
National Extension effort developing online resources for grape production.
WSU Viticulture & Enology Certificate Program
Expand your knowledge by taking one class or an entire program online through WSU.