[Tilted Irish Kilt]

greeneyes :" The first year was a good crop, but the coons got there first.
Then there was the summer of the drought, and berries and grapes have been way less than prolific since then."

The secret is in late winter pruning, with snow on the ground.
Around here, grapes are grown in full sun on horizontal wires attatched to heavy stakes, especiallyon the ends (with dead-man ties).
Due to topography and glacial debris , most advantageous is a North-south orientation so that the entire grape plant receives maximum sunlight
as lower growing branches will mature later since they are somewhat shaded by the upper arms of the kniffin system .
The recommended technique here is called " Four Cane Kniffin" system .

Resources and recommended readings:
How to Prune Grapes With the Kniffen System ( Includes both text & video)
www.//homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-grapes-kniffen-system-21824.html
How to Prune Grapes With the Kniffen System ( Includes both text & video)
http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fphg/grapes/pruning/four-cane-kniffin
Also , there are several Youtube videos that address the use and practicality of the Kniffin system.

[greeneyes]

Thanks. I’ll pass the info along to hubby.