Blueberry Plant Care:
Blueberries require adequate water, especially the first year that they are planted, to properly establish a good root system. During the growing season, blueberry plants typically require 1” of water per week. If you are unsure about how much water to give your blueberry plants, dig down approximately 6" deep 12" away from the crown of the plant. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Deep watering 2-3 times per week for a longer period of time is more effective than lightly watering everyday.
To protect the roots, discourage weed growth and help retain moisture, mulch around the base of the blueberry plants with organic mulch or with pine bark, pine chips and needles or pine sawdust.
Fertilize blueberry plants with an acid fertilizer such as Down to Earth Organic Acid Fertilizer when the buds first swell in the spring, then once again when the fruit is setting. In the first year after planting, blueberries need special care to help them become well established. In addition to watering, be sure to remove the flowers during the first year of growth. You will be rewarded the next year with a higher yielding harvest and healthier plant. Removing the flowers encourages the young plant to focus all of its energy into producing a vigorous plant with many branches and a better root system, rather than producing fruit.
Prune young blueberry plants by removing dead, diseased or damaged canes and twiggy growth each spring. As plants mature, open the center to allow sunlight and good air flow, keeping 8-10 canes rising from the crown by removing the oldest dark cane and remaining low growing, dead and diseased branches and small twigs.
Northern Highbush and Half-High Blueberry plants are extremely winter hardy, so very little winter preparation is required. Prior to winter trim back any long canes that might whip around in the winter winds or that may break due to snow weight. Lightly mulch with organic mulch, pine needles or wood shavings around the base of the plant and wait for spring to come!
Try our blueberry recipes developed in our farm test kitchen:
Blueberry Bran Muffins, Blueberry Apple Pudding