Plant: Blueberries

Garden Prep Pointers: 

*Select full sun location with good drainage.

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in Ammonium Sulfate to bring Ph to 5 - 5.5,  Additionally pine bark and needles help to amend soil as well.

*Create 6-8 inch high hills about 24" wide. (Helps with drainage around roots.)

Planting Season: 

            *Plant outside May 1st – May 15th or Late August through Mid September

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Choose bushy bright green plants with good roots.  Larger plants are better as blueberries do not produce much of a crop until maturity (3-5 years old)

Planting Guide:

*Plant about 48-72" apart for high-bush varieties. 

Planting Notes: 

*Spread roots out in shallow hole, do not expose roots above ground, do not bury stem below ground.

*Spread a mulch or pine bark, pine needles, or hardwood over hill around plants to help retain moisture.

Upkeep:

*After planting, be sure to check Ph annually, amend soil as needed.

*Water often, establishing your crop the first several years is crucial.

* After 8-10 years, prune oldest canes from bushes to continue great crop.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants will not yield very much for the first several years.  When the plant is 3-5 years old is when you will begin to see good yields 7 years is full maturity.

             *Plants flower and fruit off of new growth, if new growth is removed from plant, no berries will develop the following year.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

            *Near Cincinnati: Blueray

            *Our friends south of Tennessee may want to find out what is recommended for their area.

Grower Notes:

*Although blueberries need special care getting the soil right, the return on investment is great after several years.  Each plant can yield over 10 lbs of berries upon reaching maturity.

Fruits of Knowledge: 

*Blueberries will last up to 50 years.

*When your plants have reached maturity, invest in bird netting while the plants are flowering so your crop is not eaten before harvest.