Question
Dear Ms. Olson,

I bought three seedless, sweet grape vines and grew them inside until the danger of frost had passed, (western NC).
They did fine and were sprouting out really well.

I receintly transplanted them outside in the same soil I had them growing in with lots of "wiggle room" for their roots.

They have all developed a bronze brown color on their leaves and it looks like all of them are about to "bite the dust".

What is the problem and how can I save them?

Thanks,
Jack Hensley

Answer
It sounds like they may be suffering from transplant shock.  I would give them some time to adjust to the new surroundings.  It may take a month or more.  During this period, you should keep them watered, but not overwatered.  Verify the soil is dry by sticking your finger about an inch down and determining if it is moist or not.  After this time period, you may want to fertilize with a fertilizer that stimulates roots.  Usually these products have a higher phosphorous level relative to the other nutrients.  For instance a 10-20-10 refers to the amount of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium in the mix.  

Next time, it might be helpful to harden the plants off before transplanting them.  During this period, you expose the plants to brief periods of time outdoors.  For instance, the first day could be about 2 hours, then 4 on the next, 6-8 hours on the third.  You continue to build up until the pots are left out all night.  You may also want to reduce the amount of water you are supplying.  Then, after about 1-2 weeks of hardening they can be planted in the ground.  This will help them better withstand the change.