In regards to tomatoes, what is meant by the terms determinate and indeterminate? 

Determinate and indeterminate refer to the tomato’s growth habit. Determinate tomatoes are small, compact plants.  They grow to a certain height, stop, then flower and set all their fruit within a short period of time. The harvest period for determinate tomatoes is generally short, making them good choices for canning. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower and set fruit until killed by the first frost in fall. Accordingly, the harvest from indeterminate varieties often extends over a 2 or 3 month period. Yields are generally heavier than determinate types, but are usually later to mature. Indeterminate tomatoes are large, sprawling plants which often perform best when grown in wire cages or trained on stakes. 

What is the proper way to prune blueberries? 

Early spring is the best time to prune blueberries. In Iowa, late March or early April would be an appropriate time to prune blueberries. 

Young plants require little pruning. Pruning of young plants mainly consists of pruning out broken, dead or diseased stems. 

Blueberry yields and fruit quality decline when blueberry canes (stems) reach 5 or 6 years of age. After the fifth year, prune out one or two of the oldest stems. Also, allow one to two new shoots to develop. Continue to prune mature blueberry bushes in this manner on an annual basis to keep the plants vigorous and productive. 

What are some good potato varieties for Iowa? 

Several potato varieties perform well in Iowa. A list of recommended potato varieties (along with a brief description of each) is provided to help you choose the best variety for your garden.

‘Red Norland’ is an early maturing red variety that produces oblong, smooth potatoes with shallow eyes. They are excellent boiled or mashed, but are only fair when baked. 

‘Russet Norkotah’ is an early season russet variety that produces blocky, oblong potatoes. It is an excellent baking potato. 

‘Yukon Gold’ is an early season yellow-fleshed variety.  They are excellent baked, boiled or mashed. The potatoes also store well. 

‘Superior’ is an early to mid-season variety with round to oblong tubers and medium deep eyes. The potatoes are very good baked, boiled or mashed. It is resistant to scab. 

‘Goldrush’ is a mid-season variety that produces oblong to oval tubers with a russet skin and white flesh. Baking quality is very good. 

‘Katahdin’ is a late maturing white variety that produces smooth, round, shallow-eyed tubers. Excellent for baking. 

‘Kennebec’ is a late maturing white variety with block-shaped tubers and shallow eyes. Cooking quality is excellent. 

‘Red Pontiac’ is a late maturing red variety. Potatoes are oblong with deep eyes. It produces high yields with many large tubers. Table quality is only fair. Storage quality is very good. 

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