Growing Blueberries: How to Grow Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most popular and delicious fruits available. Their unique flavor and the healthy advantages it offers are aplenty which is why these are often used for lip smacking sweet fruit pies and jams. These can be eaten fresh and are also low in calories.

Blueberries are related to the huckleberries, the azaleas and the rhododendrons. These shrubs grow at least 7 to 8 feet in height and flourish in those areas that have the specific soil required. These require around 3-4 years to start bearing fruit. Growing blueberries have plenty of advantages instead of buying them off the shelf. All it needs is proper attention and care.

How To Grow Blueberries:

There are various varieties of blueberries available. These are as follows:

Highbush Blueberries-These are the ones that are usually available in the local grocery store.
Lowbush Blueberries-These are also known as the wild blueberries and generally do not grow beyond 18-inches of height.
Half-high Blueberries-These can withstand heavy snowfall and are a hybrid combination of the two mentioned above.
Rabbiteye Blueberries-These can face the full sun and are the tallest of the various kinds of blueberries available.

You will need to consider the composition of the soil and the climate before growing blueberries. Also, you can grow 2 or more varieties for the pollination. I have listed a few steps below that you can follow in growing blueberries.

• You need to contact the local store to know the variety you may need to pick before growing blueberries. Planting the blueberries bushes is quite a similar task to planting most shrubs. The variety of the bush matters, as some are quite drought resistant. This would suit a climate that is on the dry side.
• Once you have decided on the kind of blueberry you wish to grow, you need to select the appropriate location in your garden. The bushes require ample sunlight.
• You also need to check the pH level of the soil. This is because the soil used should be suitable for growing blueberries. The most favorable level for the blueberries is 4.5. The soil mixture should at least have an organic mixture of 5%. You can add leaves and manure to the soil.
• The time of the year also matters when you are growing blueberries. This needs to be planted in the spring or during the fall. This is because the soil tends to be more workable during this period. When you plant blueberry bushes, you also need to keep in mind that they should stand at least 4 feet apart. The lowbush varieties can be planted 1-3 feet apart.
• You also need to keep the depth of the mulch at 4". This will help to retain the moisture for the weeds of the blueberry bushes and also prevent the growth of weeds.
• Adding the fertilizers is also important for growing blueberries. You can fertilize it in the late winter season or the early spring season. You can try an ammonium sulfate fertilizer at least twice in a year.
• Pruning the blueberry bushes may not be required for the initial few years. You may have to cut the oldest shoots so that it promotes the growth of a new shoot. You have to also remove the stalks that have dried up. Also, sometimes, you may need to take care that the branches are not over laden with fruits. You will need to prune the shoots so that they have the right amount of buds on them. There are certain people who believe in removing the flowers in the first year. This is because; it is firmly believed that this would help in the total development of the plant.

Blueberries can be grown in containers as well. Due to their shallow root systems, these are suitable for growing in raised bed gardens. Once you have followed the initial steps, the blueberry bush will require minimal care. Blueberries, being delicious in itself, also go well with yogurt and when used atop ice creams. Blueberry pies are most delicious and blueberry muffins make a very healthy treat.