Research has shown that blueberries are one of the simplest antioxidants that nature provides us with. Fortunately, the plants are easy to grow and that they will add slightly of beauty to the garden.
The plants grow five to eight feet tall. Blueberries have shallow root systems. the tiny white flowers in spring yield a harvest of blueberries which will be picked in summer to early fall.
PLANTING BLUEBERRIES
When planting blueberries, choose a site that gives much sunlight. they’re going to tolerate some shade but prefer full sun. The plants prefer acidic soil that’s rich in organic matter. The plants grow best when the soil features a pH of 4.0 to 4.5. In most cases, you’ll need to add garden sulfur or aluminum sulfur to lower the pH of the soil. However, it’s an honest idea to possess the soil tested before making any adjustments. If adjustments in pH are needed, it’s best to form them a year before planting blueberries.
Blueberries should be planted in late spring when all danger of frost is past. it’s up to you to make a decision whether you would like to plant them in individual holes or during a bed. In many situations, it is often easier to organize an entire bed for the plants.
When preparing the soil, be generous with the quantity of sphagnum or organic compost that you simply add. sphagnum will help increase soil acidity.
When choosing plants, you would possibly want to think about planting a few of sorts for better pollination. Some varieties are self-pollinating, but you ought to plant a minimum of two plants. This yields a much bigger harvest of fruit.
Space the plants six to eight feet apart. Plant the blueberries as deep within the soil as they were once you purchased them. you ought to be ready to see a soil line on the most trunk. make certain to firmly pack the soil around the roots. Water well. Newly planted blueberries require more water than adult plants. Don’t allow them to dry out.
Blueberry plants shouldn’t be fertilized during their first year of growth because of the roots. then, use ammonium sulfate to fertilize the soil. If you can’t find that, you’ll use fertilizers made for acid-loving plants like azaleas.
It is beneficial to get rid of all flowers from the bushes during the primary two years of growth. this enables the plants to grow bigger and sturdier. Flowers are often left on the third year, but the harvest is going to be small.
The bushes should be pruned at the start of the fourth year. Remove dead branches and ones that tend to grow across other branches. Strive to open the middle of the bush in order that the within gets more light.
BLUEBERRY PESTS AND DISEASES
Birds are blueberry plants’ worst nightmare. They love the plump berries and can quickly devour all a plant has got to offer. One cure for the bird blight is to hide the blueberry bushes with netting, which may be found in garden and hardware stores.
Insects which will damage plants include the blueberry tip borer and cherry and cranberry fruit worms. Treat the pests with commercial sprays from the garden store.
Blueberry plants are vulnerable to fungal diseases like mildew. the simplest thing is to plant resistant varieties. pack up any diseased branches and leaves which will fall to the bottom. There are commercial fungicides available if the matter is bad.
The blueberry harvest starts in mid-July and may continue until early September. The berries are ripe once they turn blue. there’s no got to rush to reap berries. they’re going to hold on the bush for several days after ripening.
