Growing blueberries

Blueberries are bushes that grow up to 2 metres tall. Some are much smaller. There are a number of varieties and they have different growing habits and the berries ripen at different times of the year. In their natural state, blueberries grow wild in deciduous forests where they get plenty of sunshine in winter when the trees lose their leaves. This type of natural habitat needs to be replicated if you want to grow blueberries successfully. For fruit to ripen you will need to grow your blueberries where they have at lease half a day of sunlight and protection from strong wind is desirable. Soils underneath forests are generally acidic with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil has a higher pH than this, you have to work to lower it. The reason for this is that blueberries are one of the few plants that require aluminium to grow and aluminium can only be absorbed when the soil pH is below 5.5. It is the aluminium that explains the blue colour of the fruit. To lower soil pH add aluminium and where possible add other fertilizers in a sulphate form eg potassium sulphate. You can buy aluminium at your local hardware store as "alum". This is the same substance you use to turn hydrangeas blue. Adding peat moss, sawdust, pine bark and/or pine needles also helps to reduce soil pH levels. In a coniferous forest, the soil beneath the trees contains large amounts of organic material because the trees lose their leaves every year and layer upon layer of decaying leaf matter builds up. Before you plant your blueberries, make sure you add large amount of organic matter to the soil in the form of woodchips, sawdust, pine bark and leaves and use these same materials to keep the ground around the bushes well mulched. Deep mulch layers retain moisture, which is important because blueberry bushes are shallow rooted so they dry out easily. Ideally, you should prepare your soil six months before planting your blueberry bushes. In a forest setting, trees send their roots deep into the soil, allowing passage for air. In your blueberry area, high levels of organic matter incorporated into your soil will help with soil aeration and planting your bushes on mounds or ridges also helps. A sandy soil is preferable to a clayey loam. Planting Blueberries Prepare your soil well in advance. If you are planting several bushes, make trenches and ridges. Dig a planting hole on the mound. Tease out the roots and spread over a small mound. Fill hole with peat moss/soil mixture and pat down firmly. Dilute liquid kelp or fulvic acid with water (50/1 ratio) and water the plant generously This helps to reduce transplant shock. Add compost and peat moss to both the mound area and the trench taking care not to build up the mulch around the trunk. Watering and Fertilizing Blueberries Blueberries are shallow rooted and don't like to dry out. During the growing season, water twice a week. Water more if conditions are hot and dry. Generously apply compost and animal manure (cow, goat or horse but not chicken) to ensure a good harvest. A slow release azalea plant food can be used two or three times a year but do not overdo the amount used. Alternatively, use seaweed or fish emulsion. The rule for blueberries is to use fertilizer sparingly. Pruning. Prune in winter. Prune out spindly, weak growth and keep the centre open. Plants respond to hard cut back and produce bigger, juicier berries. Written by Bev Buckley For more information visit www.growinghealthyoganicfood.com/course1