N.C. Cooperative Extension, Sampson County Center invites local gardeners and small-acreage growers to a hands-on Grape Pruning Workshop on Thursday, January 8 at the Sampson County Extension Demonstration Gardens, located at 55 Agriculture Place in Clinton.
If you have grapevines that need a fresh start, or if you have been thinking about planting grapes but are not sure where to begin, this workshop is designed to walk you through the process step by step. Participants will learn what grapevines need from the ground up and leave with practical knowledge they can use at home right away.
The program will begin with the basics of getting your site ready for success. We will cover how to take a soil sample, how to interpret results, and how to amend soil so vines can establish strong root systems. From there, we will discuss the major pieces that often determine long-term productivity, including trellis installation, cultivar selection, proper planting techniques, and sound fertility practices. Whether you are working with a few backyard vines or planning a larger planting, these fundamentals make a major difference in vine health and yield.
After establishing those foundations, we will shift into the main focus of the day: pruning. Pruning is one of the most important yearly tasks for grape production, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. We will review the tools used for pruning, what to look for on the vine, and how to make confident cuts that encourage vigorous growth and fruiting. A live demonstration will be provided in the demonstration gardens so participants can see the process in real time.
Then, we will put learning into action. Participants will have the opportunity to practice pruning grapevines under guidance, which is often the quickest way to build confidence. If you have never pruned grapes before, this is a great chance to learn in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
To wrap up, we will discuss common reasons grapevines fail to produce well, including issues tied to pruning mistakes, poor site selection, nutrient imbalances, and other management challenges. You will leave with a better understanding of how to troubleshoot “problem vines” and what to adjust moving forward.
Dress for the weather! This class will be held outdoors so dress warmly and bring your hand pruners. If we have rain, sleet, snow, ice, or other inclement weather, we will reschedule to a later date.
You can register for this event online through Eventbrite. You can sign up until January 7, 2026.
The link is: Grape Vine Pruning Workshop Tickets
