If you have them in a row or rows in the garden, growing on a waist-high fence
(which is a practical system because they are then much more controllable and more
easily protected) they should be at least 2 ft. 6 ins. apart, preferably more, and there
should be 3 ft. between rows.
When the vine arrives, if it has not been pruned, cut it down to the lowest two
buds on each branch, even if it is 10 ft. high this must be done, or it will never grow
grapes of any consequence.The reason for this drastic pruning, and for those of subsequent years, is that forthree years at least one should concentrate about building up a really strong and extensive root system, and not top growth, otherwise the vine can never be really strong and prolific. Therefore the growth above ground must be curtailed so that all the strength of
the plant will go into developing its roots. In the fourth year or so it is allowed to fruit. So
vine-growing, as you can see, is rather a long-term affair. Luckily winemakers are used to
exercising patience!