One of the fun things about weeding is finding unexpected volunteers. This year I found grape seedlings for the first time. I don’t know if I just missed understanding what they were before or if weather conditions were better for them. They are Catawba grape seedlings, just barely getting their true leaves. If I hadn’t seen those leaves, I would have assumed they were Virginia Creeper seedlings. The first leaves (cotyledons) look very similar. I have weeded Virginia Creeper for years due to a neighbor’s vine. I don’t want any of those.
I called my dad when I realized what they were. He had said he needed some new vines. Right now, though, he said he wasn’t ready for them; but would I consider potting them and taking care of them for a while. Since I am in the mode of taking care of my greenhouse tomato, this sounded like something I could remember.
Grapes grow pretty fast, so I decided to put them in larger pots (close to what is called gallon size) right off. I just used the same potting soil that I plant seeds in, knowing it would be easier to keep watered right in a pot. I did leave the dirt that was on the grape seedling roots, but that shouldn’t affect watering much.
Once they were in their new pots (and watered in to help settle the soil around the roots), I chose a location on the patio that would get morning sun and afternoon shade, similar to their previous lives under the grape arbor. Once they are growing well, I may move them to more sun. Their current home is just outside the greenhouse door and close to patio pots that I will be watering regularly, so I will see them a lot.
A few hours later the grape seedlings don’t look like they know they’ve been moved. This is a good sign. It will be fun to watch them grow. There are still quite a few other seedlings under the arbor, so if I want to pot some more, I can. I love growing things!
