Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

Prune a Grape Vine


You will need: Secateurs, Fungicidal Spray, Plant Ties, Potato

This is the time to prune grape vines, before they burst into growth.Train stems horizontally if they are growing against a wall or fence to encourage even growth using a ‘cordon’ system with the main branches (or ‘rods’).

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of Prune a Grape Vine

Using a pair of secateurs, prune the strongest shoots back to two buds from the rod and cut weak shoots back to one bud (or remove them completely).

Step 2

Step 2 of Prune a Grape Vine

Re-tie the main stems (rods) to allow for growth

Step 3

Step 3 of Prune a Grape Vine

After pruning, spray with a protective fungicide to kill off any fungal spores from last year, and give a clean start for this year

Step 4

Step 4 of Prune a Grape Vine

Finally, if you need to make any large cuts and they start to bleed, cover them with a slice of potato to stem the sap flow.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Eram Garden
Shiraz, Iran

Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland



Watch a Video!

How do I
How do I 'thin' grape bunches?
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons
Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons
Growing Nasturtiums
Growing Nasturtiums
Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
Digging Up Sweet Potatoes
How to Take Care of Spring Flowering Bulbs
How to Take Care of Spring Flowering Bulbs