Raccoons dig up lawns while on the hunt for tasty grubs

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Q. I was pleased that, all through the summer, the local raccoons left my lawn alone. Then, a few weeks ago, they were back, digging holes in the turf. Can you explain?

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A. Grubs that live in the soil burrow into deeper levels to avoid conditions that are either too hot and dry or too cold and wet. Once just-right conditions arrive, they move closer to the surface, where they are conveniently available to predators like raccoons.

Holes began to appear in my lawn last month, as temperatures cooled somewhat there were a few bouts of rain.

Q. The two Concord grape vines in my garden produce well, but the grapes ripen very late — into October, even when the summer is hot. I am wondering whether thinning the foliage enough to expose the grape clusters to sunshine would hasten ripening. All the grapes have been hidden under leaves since the clusters formed. I’ve done some thinning of the vines to improve air circulation, but the clusters are still hidden from the sun.

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A. It is usually a good idea to trim the vines to open “windows” of sunlight onto grape clusters. This pruning helps the grapes remain disease free and fosters early ripening.

I do a similar pruning of the female kiwi vine in summer, once fruits have set and begin to develop. I prune away new stems that have grown over the fruit, creating a canopy of shade. Exposure to sun enhances the sizing up, sweetness and flavour of the fruit.

I describe pruning for sun exposure as “usually” beneficial because of uncertain future weather patterns and the probability of ever hotter summers. In recent years, for example, sunscald on tomatoes has become a common issue.

I’d certainly do the grape trimming now, but be aware in future years of changing conditions and their possible effects on the vines and grape clusters.

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