Blueberries

Here are some care tips for those of you that are thinking about blueberry bushes.

Blueberry shrub are natural insect resistant. They like humus and soft woodsy soil. Use only natural, organic fertilizer when cultivating.

They are not self pollinating, so be sure to plant more than one bush.

Soil should be 5. to 5.6 which is very acidic. A liberal amount of peat material is needed, if you need to add acid, use peat or compost made without lime. The peat should be dug into the earth and mix well with the soil.

Blueberries need an abundance of water, yet not standing. Make sure the area you plant in drains well.

After the plants 4th year, pruning should be done to keep the shrub manageable. You will find it necessary to clip the very slender stems, they may not produce at all, and the thick stems that have produce for several years, they may only produce at the tips. Keep you bush from over crowding to produce the best berries. Keep the stems not more then 1 foot is to much, less then 4 inches will be too close.

Weeding is very important. Keep the weeds at bay by smothering them in a thick layer of mulch with natural acid, like peat and oak leaves.

When you get your plants, it is important to keep the roots moist and out of the wind. Dig your hole big enough to where you will not have to bend the roots. Set the plant slightly deeper then the nursery had them. Once you fill your hole, like a saucer like depression to help catch water. add compost.

Young plants that are 8-15inches in height should be planted in early spring or fall.five by seven feet apart.

Now for those rabbits, sprinkle a little fox urine around your tender trees and shrubs and they tend to leave them alone.