Growing blueberries in the home garden
The articles of this report ‘Growing blueberries in the property garden’ was prepared by The University of Minnesota Extension and has been revised and republished by FreshFruitPortal.com.
For the newest details, check the University of Minnesota’s site here.
Blueberry plants improve slowly and gradually, and they may not appear to be to get a lot more substantial from yr to 12 months. It normally takes a blueberry bush about 10 years to get to experienced measurement, but this also means they will live a long, lengthy time.
Blueberry leaves turn amazing shades of crimson and orange in autumn.
It will be 2 or 3 many years before you commence obtaining large harvests, but it is unquestionably worth the wait around. The bushes are extremely appealing and will be a attractive addition to your lawn whilst you wait for fruit.
Treatment by the seasons
- March—Prune bushes ahead of new progress commences after coldest weather has passed.
- April, May—Plant new blueberry bushes.
- May well, June—Use mulch for the escalating period.
- July—Harvest.
- July through September—Apply soil amendments.
- September, October—Apply mulch for wintertime defense and love fall colour.
- November, December—Put fencing about vegetation to maintain out rabbits.
Making ready to plant
Blueberry plants involve acidic soil (pH 4. to 5.) that is well-drained, loose and large in natural matter. Most yard soils in Minnesota have bigger pH and need to be amended.
If pH is as well significant:
- The expansion of the plant is slowed.
- Leaves discolor.
- Crops could die.
Deciding upon plants
Blueberry crops are greatly obtainable at local and online nurseries. Be selected the plants you purchase are winter season hardy to your USDA zone (zone 3 or 4 in Minnesota).
If obtaining vegetation domestically, come across potted crops that are at the very least two or three years previous.
Caring for blueberry plants prior to planting
If buying crops on line, most probable they will arrive dormant and bare root. Order early to get the very best variety.
Most nurseries ship bare-root vegetation at the suitable time for planting in early spring. Keep dormant plants in a darkish, neat, moist area right until you might be completely ready to plant.
Make certain the roots continue to be moist but not saturated and plant as shortly as possible. Soak roots in a bucket of water for a pair of hrs right before planting.
If you purchase vegetation at a area nursery, retain potted vegetation nicely-watered in a sunny locale until eventually planting and plant as before long as attainable.
‘St. Cloud’ blueberry wide range
Planting
Blueberries expand finest in whole sunshine. Plants will tolerate partial shade, but as well substantially shade brings about crops to generate less blossoms and significantly less fruit.
Insects and wildlife induce minimal harm to blueberries. Simply because of the acidic soil necessities of blueberries, you are significantly much more very likely to have nutritional difficulties than pest challenges.
