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Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow.

Culture

Blueberries prefer an acidic soil, and need our heavy dirt to be lightened up with lots of organic matter so that it drains well. Mulching with Fir sawdust or bark dust also eliminates most of the need for cultivation and conserves moisture, as well as providing the acidic soil they love. Blueberries' shallow, compact root system makes regular irrigation essential.

Planting instructions

Blueberries get to be six feet tall or more with a spread of four feet or more. Therefore, the rows should be at least eight feet apart with plants spaced no closer than six feet apart, unless a hedge is desired. The top of the root clump should be close to the surface if a mulch is used (highly recommended) or about four inches deep without mulch.

Fertility

An annual application of an organic fertilizer, such as Cottonseed meal, is ideal. It should be applied in early Spring, on the surface of the mulch in a broad ring around the plant, regardless of plant size. The yearly addition of phosphorus or potassium or both are important for fruit production.

Blueberry plants cannot translocate (move within the plant) water, or most nutrients, laterally. Therefore, if only half the root system gets water or fertilizer, only half of the top portion benefits. It is important for drip irrigated fields to have a uniform water supply. Blueberries have most of their effective root systems in the upper 18 inches of soil, which is why cultivation of blueberries isn't a good plan but deep mulching is.

Blueberry roots lack root hairs—the primary sites for water and mineral absorption on most plants. This makes water management of paramount concern and goes a long way toward explaining why irrigation and mulching are necessary practices.

Fruit production

Two different varieties must be planted to insure cross-pollination and fruit set. The early varieties begin ripening in June and the late varieties in early August. When planting two or three year old plants, remove the blossoms for a year or two to promote vegetative growth. Blueberries tend to over-bear rather than under-bear. Thinning blossoms will promote larger fruit and a healthier bush. A large plant may produce 15 to 20 pounds of fruit!

Pruning

After the plant is established, you may remove old wood. Some pruning can be done to prevent the plant from becoming too sprawling or too high. Blueberries become sweeter the longer they remain on the bush. The only reason to pick early (as they turn color), is to prevent the birds from eating them first. We protect our plants from birds with netting.

Storage Tips

Blueberries will keep in a refrigerator for a week to 10 days. But they store best if they are not washed until they are ready to eat.

Blueberries can be frozen by placing them on a cookie sheet and freezing them individually, then pouring them into a plastic freezer bag. Washing blueberries before they are frozen makes their skin tough, so it is best to freeze them straight from the garden, then wash before using.

Blueberry Links