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Blueberries
Q. Could you give me some help with
our blueberry bush. Four years ago I planted
two of them. They haven't died but they
won't grow either! They are only about 5
inches tall. This year I planted another
one and the same thing. I've moved them
this spring to see if that would help. I
feed them. What am I doing wrong? We live
in zone 4 if that makes a difference. Thanks
for any help you can suggest.
A. I have never grown them so did a little research [check pH and soil]: Blueberries are a good fruit crop for home gardens because they require little space. Blueberry plants require highly acidic [!] soil conditions for best results and well supplied with moisture. Soil pH should be between 4 and 4.5 and contain at least 4 to 7% organic matter. With loam soils
it is suggested that plants be grown on raised beds 4' wide and 9" high for better water drainage. Such beds are not needed for production on sandy soils. It is very important to test soil for pH
nutrient status and organic matter content before preparing soil bed. Test it twice; once before soil preparation and acidification and once after sulfur and fertilizer have been added. Further adjustments may be necessary. Increase soil organic matter by adding grass clippings
manure or leaves (not red maple or beech) according to soil test recommendations. Incorporate the materials into the top 4-6" at least one year before planting. If soil pH is above 4.5 apply granular sulfur to lower soil pH. The material should be well mixed throughout the top 4" of soil
three months before planting. At planting dig a hole 18 x 18" and mix 1 cubic foot of peat moss with top soil until the hole is filled 4" from the top. Set the plant and cover the roots with the remaining peat-soil mix. Set plants 5' apart with rows 10' apart. Apply 4" sawdust or wood chips in a 2' wide band after planting
and maintain a 4" depth and 4' band over the life of the planting. Blueberry bushes have very shallow root systems thus are very sensitive to water fluctuations. They need at least 1-2" of water per week. In dry seasons supplemental watering is essential to obtain good yields of high quality products. Do not water after early September unless soil is very dry. Blueberry plants begin to produce fruit in the third season; however
they do not become fully productive for about six years. Once in production it is necessary to protect the fruit from loss to birds. They are generally not hardy when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Blueberry plants normally do not need to be pruned for the first three years. Remove blossoms that appear in the year of planting and second year after planting to stimulate vigorous growth. During the fourth year
the dormant plants should be pruned in mid-March. At this time remove dead and weak branches and thin wood with small buds. Prune interior crossing branches to admit light and air to the center of the plant. In subsequent years
thin out older branches to force new growth. Tall-growing branches can be headed back and thin branches removed. Flower buds of blueberry bush are produced on tips and down the second year old shoots. Blueberry bushes tend to produce smaller berries when they are overloaded with fruits making it important not to have too many flower buds.
Generous use of mulches such as sawdust
or peat moss will help control weeds conserve
moisture and keep roots cool. Increased
organic matter from decomposing mulch will
help improve soil structure and nutrient
uptake of blueberry bush. Replenish mulch
as needed to keep the mulch depth at 2-4
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