Grapevines (Vitis vinifera) are climbing woody plants that need a sturdy support – a pergola, wire trellis or wall – to grow and fruit properly. In Central Europe choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, ideally a south-facing wall that stores heat, with free-draining, preferably limy soil (pH 6.5–7.5). For home gardens, fungus-resistant varieties such as 'Muscat Bleu' or 'Solaris' need little or no spraying. Plant in spring with the graft union just above the soil. Grapes form on the current year's shoots, which grow from last year's wood, so winter pruning in February or March is essential: shorten canes to spurs with two buds, or keep one or two longer canes on a trellis. In summer, tie in shoots, remove surplus ones, pinch tips a few leaves beyond the bunches and thin leaves around the grapes in August so they ripen and dry quickly after rain. Downy and powdery mildew are the main diseases in wet years. Grapes ripen between late August and October depending on the variety.