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How to Grow and Prune Blueberry Bushes

jdds08 | Sep 1, 2009 | Views: 159 |

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Blueberries are one of natures power foods, full of vitamins, minerals and packed with antioxidants. Blueberry bushes do require careful maintenance, but the berries are well worth it. With the right care, blueberry bushes can last up to 20 years and produce up to 8 quarts of berries a year.

Things You Will Need

Blueberry bush

Garden shovel

Garden hose

Fertilizer

Bird netting

Garden sheers or hand saw

Step 1 Blueberries need to be planted where they will receive full sun. They do best in acidic soil with a pH level below 5.5. The soil should be well draining with plenty of organic material worked in. Prepare the soil 2 weeks before planting blueberry bushes.
Step 2 Plant blueberries in the fall or early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. The bushes need to be planted 4 to 5 feet apart. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and mulch for weed control. Mulch blueberry bushes only with straw, sawdust, shredded bark or wood chips.
Step 3 Fertilize bushes with a 10-10-10 solution one month after planting. Blueberries are not heavy feeders but do require 1 - 2 inches of water a week. Drought stress will lead to poor harvests. Do not over water bushes.
Step 4 Remove any blooms the first year to encourage root development and maximum growth of the bush. Yes, the hard part is the wait, but it will lead to better blueberry harvests in future years.
Step 5 Blueberry bushes need to be pruned to ensure good air circulation and prevent overproduction which leads to smaller berries. Prune bushes in late winter or early spring.
For the fist 8 years, remove only dead, broken, short or weak shoots, and any branches that prevent adequate circulation.
After 8 years, remove 1/3 of all the blueberry bush branches and any dead branches.
Step 6 Once the blueberries have started to turn blue, cover with bird netting. Leaving the berries on the bush for a few more days allows them to ripen to their full potential. Once harvested, blueberries can be frozen, pureed and frozen or frozen in a syrup mixture.

Tags: grow blueberries; prune blueberries; care for blueberries; blueberries; blueberry bushes;