Vine in clay soil

[aob9]

I have purchased vine variety 'Boskoop Glory' and intend to plant it outdoors on a south facing fence. It is reasonably protected against wind but I have heard that I have a battle on my hands with my clay soil. The area I have chosen is reasonably well drained but I wonder if I am wasting my time..........any suggestions?

[aob9]

[jennym]

Got heavy clay soil here (London), and the grape does ok on a south facing shed back. I understand they prefer a pH of 6.75, but to be honest, have not tested that soil. I just dug a few bits of brick in to improve the drainage, and there's a deep ditch about 3 ft in front of it, so it never gets waterlogged.

[Eristic]

Just go for it. Plant in the sunniest spot available and you should do ok. I inherited 4 vines on my plot tangled up with the blackberries and two brothers further down from me have a complete vineyard, all on London clay.

Grapevines seem to do very well in London so I doubt that the clay is giving them any grief.

[Trevor_D]

We're on London clay as well. One vine in the garden (variety unknown, inherited from a friend) & 6 at the allotment (assorted wine varieties). All produce wonderfully. They aren't protected by south-facing walls but are free-standing (with supporting wires) in rows running north-south. Our neighbouring plot-holder also grows vines (cuttings from ours) and they are looking healthy too.

[aob9]

Cheers for the good news, I'll get planting then.

[saddad]

While they won't stand being waterlogged you seem to have a good site selected so should be fine... Mine's on Midland Red Marl... but doing fine.
;D