When should I harvest my apples?
The harvest period for apples varies from one cultivar to another. In Iowa, Jonathan, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious apples are normally harvested in mid-September, late September and early October, respectively. While approximate harvest times are helpful, the actual harvest time often varies by one or more weeks from year to year due to weather conditions during the growing season. Taste, texture and color should be used to harvest apples at the correct stage of maturity.
Apples should be harvested when the fruit are firm, crisp, juicy, well-colored and have developed the characteristic flavor of the variety. Fruit harvested too early are astringent, sour, starchy, and poorly flavored. Apples harvested too late are soft and mushy. For more information, see "Harvesting and Storing Apples" (PM 1078) available from local ISU Extension offices and at www.extension.iastate.edu/store.
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When should I plant tulips and daffodils?
October is the ideal time to plant tulips, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs in Iowa. Bulbs planted in October have sufficient time to develop good root systems before the ground freezes in winter. If the weather permits, bulbs can be planted as late as mid- to late November. For maximum visual impact, plant bulbs in groups or clusters. When planting tulips and daffodils, plant 10 or more of the same variety in an area. Smaller growing plants, such as crocuses, should be planted in clusters of 25 or more bulbs. Plant bulbs at a depth equal to 3 to 4 times their maximum bulb diameter. To encourage good root development, periodically water the newly planted bulbs in October and November if the weather is dry. For more information, see "Suggested Daffodil Cultivars for Iowa" (RG 312) available from local ISU Extension offices and at www.extension.iastate.edu/store.
Should I fertilize my trees and shrubs?
It is generally not necessary to fertilize healthy, vigorous trees and shrubs in the home landscape. Most landscape soils in Iowa contain adequate levels of nutrients for trees and shrubs. Plus, trees and shrubs that are growing in lawns that are fertilized on a regular basis are already being fertilized.
Poorly growing trees and shrubs may benefit from fertilization. Poorly growing plants often exhibit sparse foliage, yellow-green leaves, or short annual twig growth.
If necessary, spring and fall are the best times to fertilize trees and shrubs. Fall applications should be made after leaf drop (mid-October through November). Spring applications should be made in late March or early April before the trees and shrubs begin to leaf out. Avoid summer fertilization because this promotes succulent growth which may not have sufficient time to harden before winter.
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