GROWING BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are easy to grow if you give them a good location and have the right soil conditions. Many people believe that blueberries need swampy wet ground. This is not the case, and is actually detrimental to their health. It is true that wild blueberries are often found at the edge of swampy areas, but their roots are not in the wet zone. Rather, they grow near swamps because of the naturally acidic soil associated with the peat moss that grows there. If you follow the instructions below, you will be rewarded with many years of great growing and large yields of delicious healthful blueberries.

• Site and Soil Preparation:

If you have already been successful growing azaleas or rhododendrons, prepare the soil the same way as you did for them. Because blueberries have a shallow root system, only the top 10-16" of soil need to be prepared. For maximum fruit production, choose a well-drained and sunny area. Blueberries like full sun to partial shade, but must have some direct sun for at least 5 hours a day to bare well. Blueberries will not tolerate wet conditions, however, since they are shallow rooted; it is possible to grow plants in normally wet areas if the growing medium is well mounded.

If your soil is not already acidic, 4-5.2, (like most of the mid-west), after the plant site has been selected, prepare a hole 10-16" deep and 2' diameter. Back fill with a 50/50 mix of your normal soil and peat moss or well composted material such as leaves, bark or sawdust.

Spacing and Planting:

Blueberry plants can be spaced 3 to 6 feet in rows; 3 foot spacing will give a high density planting and form a hedge quickly; 5 to 6 feet is the more typical distance between plants. Blueberry plants may also be grouped, separated as singles, or planted with almost any landscape configuration. Their glossy green leaves, white to pink flowers, contrasting blue berries, and beautiful red foliage in the fall really adds to the landscape. The standard Highbush types will get 6-8' tall and 4-5' wide. The Half- highs will get about 4' tall, and 4-5' wide.

P lace plants in the center of the prepared area and fan out the roots in all directions. While holding the trunk upright, rake 3 to 4 inches of soil mixture back over the roots and firmly pack. Wet the soil well and continue to water regularly thru out the year. Blueberries do not need a lot of fertilizer, but do benefit with two light applications, once in the early spring before bud break and one in mid summer just after picking the fruit. Your soil nutrients will determine the optimum ratio, but for most people a 20-10-10 would be right.

• Pollination and Production:

While most modern hybrids are self fruitful, it is recommended that two or more varieties of blueberries be planted together to assure higher yields and better quality fruit. The actual yield will be dependent upon the amount of sun, water availability, size, and vigor of the plant.

All varieties are $8.00 per plant, in one gallon container. Available for pick up at nursery year around. Shipping of plants will be bare-root and only available from November 15 to March 15.

Note: In 2006 we hope to offer 12-15 varieties.

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