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