[Rocinante]

Hi all,
I am in the middle of France so I should be able with some advice to grow Grapes, my intentions are to grow them up a Pergola with a Polypcarbonate (I hope that is the right name for it) Roof so basically the roots will be in the open and the top growth will be sheltered from the elements but with full sun. Anyone have any thoughts as to this plan.
Regards
Rocinante

[ghost61]

No need for the roof - you will need vines that are suitable for growing outdoors, so a roof doesn't 'do' anything for those vines.

[Rocinante]

Hi Ghost,
I have outdoor types suitable for my area so that bit is ok, I just thought the roof might be an added bonus to give me some shelter as I walk around the house, the idea being that as I am putting up a leanto along the back of the house I may as well put a clear roof on it. Would it do more harm than good as the vines would be more important than me keeping dry as I walk under the frame.

[ghost61]

The vines might suffer sunburn, but I don't think that they would suffer too much.  I thought you were trying to boost the vines by using a plastic roof, but if it's to shelter you then I would go ahead, and just watch out for drying leaves on the vines if they get too hot.

[Rocinante]

You have a point about getting to hot as last year the summer was roasting with temperatures up in the 40’s so maybe no roof is the way.