Which direction to plant blackberries and grapes?

5 years ago

I have 3’ of drop in elevation along the area I’m planting blackberries and grapes and have a choice which direction to plant the rows. Would it be best to plant the rows at a flat level elevation to catch the run off or would it be best to plant the rows down hill so they don’t get to much water during the wet season? I plan on having drip irrigation but it would be nice not to have to water them all the time. I have 2" per hour drainage from the perc test I did. If I did plant them flat I guess they would need to be slightly raised so the water doesn’t pond or I could put small drainage ditches from row to row down the slope? Or should I put them at a 45 degree angle to slow the water down but still allow the water to flow through the row in heavy down pour (perfectly east to west)?

Featured Answer

vgkg Z-7 Va

5 years ago

Tough choices. When I planted my grapes along a long trellis years ago I oriented the trestle in a N-S direction so that the sun would shine on both sides of the trellis (E-W) as it passed over during the day. But that was on flat ground.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

CA Kate z9
5 years ago
It is my understanding that planting horizontal to downhill is ususally best, both to catch run-off and to prevent erosion. ( That would be like your first graph.)
catfishhoward thanked CA Kate z9
Related Professionals
Panama City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Winston-Salem Landscape Contractors · Salt Lake City Landscape Contractors · Knoxville Accessory Dwelling Units · Lewiston Accessory Dwelling Units · Santa Fe Landscape Contractors · Salem Landscape Contractors · Cornwall Landscape Contractors · Fayetteville Home Additions · Forrest City Home Additions · Knoxville Home Additions · Baltimore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Branson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vancouver Landscape Contractors · Olean Stone, Pavers & Concrete
windberry zone5a BCCanada
5 years ago
I agree with Kate that planting the rows downhill could speed up erosion. It is how a lot of agricultural land got destroyed due to erosion, by plowing and planting downhill.
Kevin Reilly
5 years ago
Do you have equipment that can terrace the hill?
catfishhoward
Original Author
5 years ago
I will cut the grass with zero turn lawn mower and hand pick the fruit.
catfishhoward
Original Author
5 years ago
Looking at farms on google maps in Florida they all have different directions so there's probably more factors than just sun. I'm thinking North to South would be good for me that way the sun hits all plants evenly and the rain will run into the trellis areas but will not sit and puddle.

4 blueberry farms - east to west.

5 blueberry farms - north to south

1 strawberry farm - east to west

1 strawberry farm - north to south