Blueberries

Posted by Hugh on March 12th, 2011

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are healthy for you and exceptionally easy to grow organically (without pesticides). Why?- because blueberries are bothered by very few disease and insect problems. Success in growing blueberries depends upon pre-plant soil preparation. If you’re thinking about growing blueberrues for the first time, then allot this calendar year for soil preparation. Put off planting blueberries until the early fall or next spring. Good bed prep includes:

soil pH of 4.8-5.2 -achieved by an application of elemental sulfur plus acidic organic matter sources such as peat moss and old sawdust
raising and maintaining an organic level of 3% (and higher) incorporating composted leavs and yard clippings, old sawdust and peat moss

Good garden prep takes 12-18 months, so plan ahead. Add another two years for plants to become established and ready for picking. Spacings between plants are 5-6 feet apart for rabbiteye and 4-5 feet for highbush. For large plantings, allow 10-12 feet between rows for mowing, pruning, picking and other maintenance.

Recommended varieties for the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7):

Highbush: ready for picking from mid-June for 4-6 weeks, cross-pollination not required but recommended. Duke is highly recommended, an early, big berry, excellent quality, and does not tend to overbear. Others are Bluecrop, Echota, Blue Ridge, Berkeley, Jersey.

Rabbiteye: ready in mid-July for 6-8 weeks, cross-pollination with 2-3 varieties is required. Plant Tifblue, Climax, Powder Blue, Centurion, among others.