If you want to start a home vineyard, you will need to build a grape trellis. How to build one is often a point of concern for people just starting out. However, it is really not very difficult. In fact, building a home grape trellis is an easy weekend project.

The first step is determining how long your row is going to be. The recommended vine spacing for most grape varieties is between 6 and eight feet. This will help you determine how many vines to plant between each post.

When planning a grape trellis, how to arrange the posts is up to you. There are several factors to consider, but here is a general guide:

If you are going to plant your vines either 6 or 8 feet apart, then you will want to space the posts about 24 feet apart. If you are spacing your vines seven feet apart, then you can choose to place posts either 21 or 28 feet apart. Do not place your posts more than 30 feet apart. Decide how long you want your trellis to be. This will determine how many vines you can plant and how many posts you need to buy.

The height of the posts will be determined by the type of grapes you grow and the type of training system you will be using. In general, 8 foot posts are recommended. When choosing post material, choose treated, rot-resistant lumber.

Using a post hole digger, bury all of the posts in the ground down to at least 2 inches deep. You should bury your end posts a little deeper than you line posts.

The end posts will look a little different from your line posts. There are several methods for bracing the end of a grape trellis. The idea is to provide extra support and tension on the wires. Your grapevines will significantly increase in weight over the growing season. The weight will naturally pull your posts inward. The end posts, along will an anchoring system will help counteract that force.

The end posts should be planted at an angle, pointing 60 degrees out and away from the rest of the trellis. You should also bury an anchor (dead man weight, concrete, or anchor post) about 60 degrees out from the top of the end post.

With the posts in place, the next step is to run the trellis wire. The most common trellis system has two rows of wire. One at 5 feet and the other at 8 feet. You will need 12.5 gauge high tensile stainless steel wire. High tensile wire won't stretch much and the stainless steel will prevent rust.

There are different methods for running the wire. Some people drill holes through each post in order to run the wires. Another method is to attach the wires to the outside of the post via staples. Others hammer nails to the post and wrap wires around each nail.

Some people also install wire strainers with tension springs. These are recommended if your trellis will be longer than 200 feet. You will have to determine what works best for you and your budget. Wire tension should be set at about 250 pounds,

One final consideration is whether or not to add further supports for the vines themselves. Towards harvest time, the vines will be very heavy. You may want to consider adding extra support between the vines.

Once you have your posts planted and your trellis assembled, it will be time to plant your grapes. With some attention and care, along will a little patience, you will soon have a productive vine providing year after year or delicious grape harvests.