What is the secret to growing blueberries?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.To successfully grow blueberries, you will need to master three crucial principles: management of pH levels in the soil, appropriate moisture levels, and effective pruning. If any one of these principles is not adhered to, you will have stunted growth or harvesting failure. I have brought back bushes that were dying by simply making pH changes, again demonstrating pH is critical to nutrient uptake.
Soil pH Management
- Test soil every 3 months with a digital meter
- Amend with 1 lb elemental sulfur per 100 sq ft
- Avoid wood ash or lime-based products
Moisture Control
- Water 1-2 inches weekly via drip system
- Use pine needle mulch to retain moisture
- Check soil 3 inches deep before watering
Pruning Practices
- Cut canes older than 4 years in late winter
- Thin overlapping branches for airflow
- Disinfect tools with 70% alcohol post-use
Using bird netting is not negotiable. Sparrows completely stripped my inaugural crop in a matter of hours. It is suggested to use heavy-duty nylon netting secured tightly down to the ground. *Reflective tape adds deterrent.* In the case of a severe infestation, I used motion-activated sprinklers with netting, this saved my entire harvest last season.
Soil pH determines everything. For instance, blueberries are unable to take up iron or nitrogen if the pH is higher than 5.5. When I plant blueberries, I mix 1 cup of sulfur into the holes and retest each month. I also use peat moss in raised beds, especially when growing blueberries in alkaline areas. In addition, container plant blueberries need a higher acidic potting mix replaced annually.
When you prune a vineyard or berry bush, you are redirecting energy to fruit. Unless your berry bushes have been pruned, you'll get small and possibly tart berries. First, prune the weak branches and any growing inwards. Once I thinned my Bluecrop, it went from 5 lbs to 12 lbs of berries. Like any pruning, do this during dormancy to avoid shocking the plant.
Drowning plants can kill them more quickly than tromping a plant with drought. Clay soils require thirty percent less water than sandy soils. I am happy that I bought a $15 moisture meter yesterday because the ideal moisture is between 4-6 on the meter. I lost two bushes to root rot before I discovered the meter. Now, I only water the plants when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries: 7 Essential Steps for Success
