grapes and vineyards seem to be a new way to add cash to your homestead, anyone haye any ideas, comments, or suggestions on how to go about doing this? We have a small grape arbor and are just starting to get grapes. What do you do with them, how do you remove the seeds for making juice and jam. thanks. we live in an Oak/savannah type of area with sandyloam soil. do you have to spray grapes? any help would be appreciated.

-- Joany Hoffman (mjjch@uniontel.net), March 27, 2002

Answers

When I make juice or jelly or jam, this is what I use:

http://www.cumberlandgeneral.com/AB1257/showdetl.cfm? &DID=6&Product_ID=153&CATID=12

We don't spray our grapes and don't have any problems. You will get a better crop if you prune properly each year.

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), March 28, 2002.

The only real problem I have ever had with grapes has been the Japanese beetles decimating them! I'm going to try the lightest weight floating row covers this year because I won't use chemicals. Pruning is necessary, and lots of sun and water, especially in your sandy soil.What state are you in? Don't know about how/what to sell, but I would think just plain grapes would sell well at a farmers market, less work, too. Good luck! Amy

-- Amy (kimico@aol.com), March 28, 2002.

Hmmmm. Row covers? That's one thing I haven't tried for Japanese beetles. Will you just be covering the tops or will you be wrapping them completely? Our vines started to bear about the 2nd or 3rd year after planting and have been prolific ever since. Home orchard spray will prevent Japanese beetles from eating the leaves but I believe it is very toxic. Concord grapes will sell very well at farmers markets. I heartily recommend the steam juicer over the crank-type spiral fruit processor. It is much more efficient and the juice makes great jelly!

-- Frank (fhill@absolute-net.com), March 30, 2002.