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Blueberries are a deliciously sweet fruit and a good source of vitamin C. While they take up to 5 years to produce fruit (if you start from the beginning), they are worth the long-term investment. Having blueberries to pick and eat whenever you want is a great treat for any gardener. Here are some basic tips to help you get started.
Before you begin planting your blueberries, you will want to figure out which variety of blueberries you want to grow. There are multiple types of blueberry species including: Northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum), Southern highbrush (hybrid Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium darrowii), Lowbush (Vaccinium angustifolium), Rabbiteye (Vaccinium virgatum), and Half-high. Each variety of blueberry varies in size and preferred climate. Researching the different varieties of blueberries will help you figure out which one best suits your garden’s environment.
You’ll want to pick two or three varieties within the same species of blueberry to plant in your garden. The mixing of different variations in your garden will encourage cross-pollination and help your plants to thrive.
Blueberries require acidic based soil in order to grow. The pH level of the soil should be between 4.5 to 5.0. As your blueberry plant grows over the years, you’ll want to test the soil occasionally to ensure the pH level is still good for the blueberry plant.
Plant one blueberry bush per container as they need room to grow. Plant the blueberry bush as deep as it was in the nursery pot. You’ll want to get a planter that is at least 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide to accommodate for the blueberry bush’s roots. Make sure the planter has good drainage as well.
When planting blueberries in containers you should plant them in the spring or fall. Blueberries need lots of light, 6 to 8 hours per day, so when finding a spot to place them, you should make sure they are getting enough sunlight during the day. However, make sure the plants do not overheat in the afternoon sun if you live in a hotter climate. You don’t want the blueberry plant to dry out as a result of overheating.
Blueberries like lots of water, but don’t like to sit in it, which is why good drainage is important. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Frequent light watering is ideal for blueberry plants. Monitor the soil to make sure it stays cool and moist.
You will need to protect the blueberries from birds who want to eat them. Use bird netting, open-weave cloth, or wire cages to keep birds away. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases in your plant. You’ll want to treat and/or discard any diseased part of the plant. Pruning the plant during the dormant season will help to remove dead, diseased, and rotting wood. Pruning will help the plant prioritize making bigger and more fruit.
During the winter months, you will need to protect the blueberry plant from the chilly weather. You can do this by planting the container in the ground or by moving the plant to a sheltered location.
Blueberries are a great treat to have in your garden. They are easy to grow and a delicious antioxidant-rich fruit. You can pick them and eat them or store them to make jams, jellies, pie, or any other treat!
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