Growing Blueberries

I’ve made several comments lately about growing blueberries and thought it might be good to pull them together into one post. A nice thing about them is that they are an attractive shrub and pretty easy to grow if given the right conditions – the right soil, the right variety, some water, fertilizer, and sun and you’re good to go.

First of all, different types of berries grow in different climates, so you must plant the correct one for where you live. In general Highbush varieties grow in zone 7 and north into southern Canada, Rabbiteyes grow in zone 7 and south to all but southern Florida, and Southern Highbush grow in zones 7 and south into the Keys – mine are all rabbiteye’s that cross pollunate well (a must) and bear at different times. Since zone 7 is the transition zone, I first tried 2 Highbush and 2 Rabbiteye, but the Highbush did not do well, so I now have 6 Rabbiteye and they are all doing very well.

Blueberries must have an acidic soil or no matter what else you do good for them, they will not do well. Since I planted mine in a part of my yard where other parts of the lawn drain, I first raised the area for them so when I lime the yard, the runoff will go around the bed. I raised the area 4-6" by tilling in some garden soil & Black Cow composted manure with clay around the edges to repel water. I then tested the soil in the berry bed and lowered the pH by applying the appropriate amount of wettable sulfur, purchased from a garden supply store. After planting, I mulched with pine straw or bark, which unlike hardwood mulch, produces acid when it breaks down. They also like full sun.

So far, we’ve had no disease or pest issues, even the birds, and we’re getting a bounty of delicious berries. The one thing I need to do now is give mine the appropriate pruning next spring, for which I must do a little studying. The following are good sites for info.

http://gardening.about.com/od/berries/a/Blueberries.htm
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8207.html

If you like blueberries and you like to garden and you like pretty shrubs, this may be the thing for you. Here’s a shot from my Jul 6 post.


Bev went for a three mile walk yesterday morning, but it was in the mid 80's by the time she finished. She definately looked hot and announced she was heading for the lake. I don't feel comfortable having her swimming alone so, even though the dogs were with her, I went alone as her bodyguard/lifeguard. We are looking after her sister's dog for a few days and he and Sweetie both like the water, especially riding around on the float. They all looked alot cooler when they got out.



Is that the life or what? Have a good day and thanks for stopping by.

Larry