Growing blueberries
Blueberries are a favorite fruit for North Coast gardens. You can harvest berries from June through September if early, mid-season and late season varieties are planted. Now is the time to plant blueberries, if you do not already have them. And if they are a part of your garden, now is the time to take extra special care of them. Here’s what to do:
Plant: If you are new to blueberries and want to plant some, consider the following tips. Invest in buying the soil amendments that blueberries require. Acid planting mix, peat moss and ground fir bark dug into very wide, large holes takes work and money. You may end up spending as much money on soil as the plants themselves. It is worth the investment. Blueberries demand acid soil, welldrained soils and will fare poorly if their needs are not met. If you soil is poor, consider growing in containers.
Feed: Now is the time to begin feeding established plants. Blueberries need a high nitrogen soil that is acidic. The simplest and cheapest fertilizer is ammonium sulphate. The best fertilizers are natural materials that have cottonseed meal and blood meal. There are many packaged acid type natural fertilizers available. Use them. Avoid manures. They can raise the pH of the soil.
Weed: Clear out any weeds within three feet of the plants. Blueberries do not thrive with weed competition. Period.
Mulch: Once plants are weeded and fed, it is best to add a three-inch layer of mulch around plants. Fir sawdust is the best. Ground fir bark and pine needles work well. Avoid shredded redwood bark. The tannins in this product affect blueberry roots adversely.
Irrigate: Not surprisingly, this is one of the hardest parts about growing blueberries. Plants must have a well-drained soil and they need plenty of water, especially during the summer and fall. By this time, some gardeners are on vacation, busy with other projects or forgetful. Drip irrigation can help simplify watering. What is best is to use spray-type emitters that will cover the entire root mass or soaker tubes. Hand watering is good, too, if you can remember to be regular about doing it.
Get more info: Oregon State University has tons of great information on blueberries. YouTube videos, too. Check it out.
Invest in buying the soil amendments that blueberries require. Acid planting mix, peat moss and ground fir bark dug into very wide, large holes takes work and money. You may end up spending as much money on soil as the plants themselves. Blueberries demand acid soil, welldrained soils and will fare poorly if their needs are not met.
Terry Kramer is the site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. Contact her at terrykramer90@gmail. com.