Question
Hi,
I would like to spread some wild grapes around my neighborhood. Do I need to work at it, germinating the seeds and then planting? Or do I have a good chance simply by planting the seeds willy-nilly?  How long do the seeds need to dry after getting them from the grapes?  

Answer
Hi Art,
Thanx for your question.  Before you spread seeds of wild grape around your neighborhood ask your neighbors if this is what they want.  I for one, would not want them as they can be very invasive and messy.  We had a neighbor spread cardinal vine and bermuda grass all over our neighborhood and 10 years later we are still trying to get rid of it.  If everyone is agreeable to the wild grapes you can spread the seeds but the germination will be iffy.  For best results, take the seeds from the grapes and allow them to dry for a couple of weeks then place inside a wet paper towel, seal in a plastic baggie and store in the fridge for the winter.  A month before the last frost, take the seeds out of the fridge and plant them in a pot of good potting soil, damp, not soggy about 1/2 inch deep.  Keep at about 70 degrees and keep the soil moist but not soggy.  Germination will begin within 30days but will be sporadic.  Some may take an additional cold period (another period in the fridge) before they germinate so count how many seeds you have.  Pluck out the seedlings after they have their second set of leaves and plant in separate pots.  When they are about 4 inches tall you can begin distributing them around your neighborhood.  If after 3 months the seeds haven't germinated give them another 2 months in the fridge and repeat the steps above.  I hope this helps.
Tom