New grapevine grower. Care to take a look at my vines?

[Tony_the_Liger]

I purchased three three-year-old concord vines last year. Two lived through the first year, while the third didn't survive transit. I replaced it later in the summer, which is why one of the vines in the pics is much smaller than the other two. The larger two seem to be growing pretty well, but the smaller one isn't quite keeping up with the others. Regardless, can any of you provide me with some tips/advice based on what you're seeing? Particularly with regard to pruning? I've tried to do the research, but I'm running into conflicting and/or difficult to follow information on exactly how I should prune and what I should do to promote growth at this stage.

Thanks so much for any information you're willing to provide.

 

[DiggersJo]

Quite a while since I had anything to do with vines, but I think you will find that it depends on what you are looking to do with them i.e. how you see them growing. Any vine I have had has been grown low and cut back each year in winter with excessive new growth removal over the growing period. One thing I would add is that I could never keep up with the latter as it was extraordinary growth. First thing to decide is the method of growth you want "cordon" is one so named here, but may be something else in the USA? This UK RHS site is quite good in most areas and might give at least some ideas what to look for.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Those are so young they remind me of the saying "First year sleep, 2nd creep, 3rd leap". I think they are undersupported even with 2 entwined wires though it works. I also think they are a bit low for the size of the beasty that is coming. Especially since they are in great sun the fruit will be heavy. I would leave that wire and seek to expand upward with another or a Y shape angle metal support for two more wires probably 18" taller and wider. Perhaps the inverted triangle shape or a stretch across the top of the Y is best. I would not be trimming at all for size but rather direction in these early years. They look healthy for their size. Nitrogen is nice but but feed the roots twice. Putting them is such a sunny location was the best thing of all. Did you have to amend the soil for good drainage? We have clay so its a big deal here. You need to take the time and dig out a mulch circle around the base. The grass competes and you are going to hurt the plant with the trimming so close one day. The mulch helps cool the roots and and helps them overwinter.