Benefits of Growing Your Own

I just purchased 3 blueberry bushes because not only do they produce luscious blueberries that taste good, but blueberries are also a healthy food since they are rich in antioxidents, vitamin C, maganese, and are a good source of fiber.

When you grow your own and eat them fresh off the vine, you’ll never taste anything as good. They are one of the foods that taste better fresh and require little preparation before eating, but they can be frozen or made into jams, jellies, pie fillings and more.

Not only are the berries good for you, but the plants can be ornamental in even perennial flower beds. Some of the High Bush blueberries make nice ornamental shrubs in the landscape.

Choosing the Right Plant

For proper pollination it is recommended to purchase at least two different varieties of blueberries.

Most blueberry bushes don’t take up a lot of space since half high bush blueberries usually grow just 1-3 ft high. High bush blueberries are much larger and can be 5-7 feet high and 5-7 feet across. Patio container sizes are now available also, but these won’t produce many berries.

Different blueberries will produce during different months of the summer. July is considered blueberry month and many towns even have blueberry festival every year in July. July is National Blueberry month. In southern states blueberries can be ripe in the early spring.

You have your choice of a low bush, high bush plant or a half high bush. The low bush blueberries are the smallest and will also produce the least amount of blueberries. The half high bush doesn’t take up as much space, but also doesn’t produce as many blueberries. The high bush plant will produce about 5-10 pounds of blueberries whereas the half -high will only produce about 3 pounds or even less. You will need to decide which you have the space to grow.

Another consideration is the area where you live. Be sure to check that the variety you buy is hardy in your area

Planting the Bush It is a good idea to test you soil before planting blueberries because they prefer an acidy soil. A soil PH of 4.5 to 5.5 is perfect. Many soils will require sulfur or aluminum sulfate to provide a more acidic soil. This can be found in any garden store. For a larger crop, plant your blueberries in full sun. The will produce in partial sun,but you won't get as many blueberries. They should be planted in a well drained spot. Plant the blueberries about 1 inch deeper than the pots they were purchased in. Place a mulch of wood chips, bark, The smaller types of blueberries can be planted in pots. Just be sure the pot is large enough.

Plant Maintenance

.During the first year, it is a good idea to remove the fruit from your bushes. If you have patience removing the fruit the first two years is even better. I'm just not this patient. It' just too exciting to see the fruit on the bush. This will provide better crops in later years.

Maintenance of the plants is simple. Blueberry bush roots grow close to the surface of the ground, so don't cultivate very deeply. Keep grass and weeds away from the bush in a four foot circle. Keeping mulch around the plants will help keep out grass and weeds and will help keeping the plant moist in the summer months.

Because the plants have a shallow root system the plants should be watered frequently. The plants should get at least 1" of rain each week. However, never let blueberry bushes stand in water.

Blueberries should receive proper nitrogen in the spring each year. This can be supplied with ammonium sulfate which also keeps the soil at the right acidity. A 16-8-8 mixture of fertilizer is the best suited for blueberries. Many stores sell this special mixture for blueberries.

Now for the good part. Pick your blueberries when they are completely ripe and enjoy then fresh off the vine. Mmm. Those that are leftover can be frozen and used in many recipes. Enjoy!