When should grapes be harvested? 

Grapes should not be harvested until fully ripe.  The best indicators of ripeness are color, size, and flavor. 

Depending on the variety, the berry color changes from green to blue, red or white as the grapes approach maturity. At the fully ripe stage, the natural bloom on the berries becomes more pronounced. However, color alone should not be the sole basis for harvesting grapes. Many varieties change color long before the grapes are fully ripe. 

Size and firmness are other useful indicators of ripeness. The individual berries should be full-sized.  They also become slightly less firm to the touch at maturity. 

The final and most reliable test for ripeness is flavor. Taste a few grapes when size and color are good. If they are not sweet, leave the clusters on the vines. Grapes do not develop full flavor when harvested before completely mature. 

Is there anything that I can do to make my Japanese wisteria bloom? 

Japanese wisterias (Wisteria floribunda) are the most widely grown wisterias in the United States. Unfortunately, they don't perform well in Iowa.  Most Japanese wisterias do not bloom when grown in the state.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to force them to bloom. 

The Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachys) is a better choice.  Though its flowers aren't as showy as the Japanese wisteria, the Kentucky wisteria reliably blooms in Iowa.  Excellent varieties are 'Aunt Dee' (light purple flowers), 'Blue Moon' (light blue flowers) and 'Clara Mack' (white flowers). 

How should I water a newly seeded lawn? 

After seeding, keep the upper 1 inch of soil moist by watering once or twice a day. With adequate moisture and warm soil temperatures (55 F or above), the seeds of most turfgrasses should germinate in two to three weeks. Grass seedlings are very susceptible to desiccation injury. Continue to water the seedlings once or twice a day. When the turfgrass reaches a height of one to two inches, gradually reduce the frequency of watering, but water more deeply. A thorough watering once a week should be adequate after the new turf has been mowed two or three times. 

When should I harvest spaghetti squash? 

Harvest spaghetti squash when the fruit color changes from ivory white to golden yellow. When harvesting spaghetti squash, leave a one-inch stem attached to each fruit.  Store mature fruit in a cool, dry location.  

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