February 12, 2007

This chilly weather has me thinking ahead to summer, and I have desserts on my mind…especially ones that contain blueberries. My mouth is watering just thinking of those little, purplish berries. And not only do they have great flavor, but did you know the blueberry plant is an excellent plant for your landscape?

Blueberries grow in a well-drained, sunny area. Most blueberries are self-fertile, but you will have more berries if you plant two different varieties. The most important item in growing these tiny treats is acidic soil. This cultural requirement does require amending your soil to make the pH 5.0 to 5.5. Amending with sulfur or aluminum sulfate every spring will achieve the acidity, but do a soil test just to make sure. Blueberries range in mature size and shape, but all have a nice fall color and are fairly low maintenance. They do have shallow roots, so watering during dry periods in the summer will be beneficial, as well as, mulching around the base. If pruning is necessary, prune in late March. The first year you will want to remove all blossoms. The extra energy will be used in root and plant development. It will need about six years to reach full production, and the berries will ripen over a six to seven week period. The biggest challenge you will have being a blueberry grower will be the birds. They can be problematic and devastating to your crop. Cover the entire bush with netting that has a ¾ to 1” mesh. Sounds like a little bit of work, but think of the delicious dessert you can make with the blueberries you picked in your own backyard!

Happy Gardening!
Horticultural Advisor

Wendy Jasper

Past Journal Entries