Blueberries add a nice flavor to almost everything. They are a good texture and very sweet. If you are a home vegetable gardener and a fan of blueberries, then you really should consider adding a bush or two. The species have different growth habits: blueberries form a substantial bush, while the two related species are creeping shrubs, sometimes used as ground-cover plants. Established high-bush blueberries should be pruned in winter, removing some old branches to ground level and all side branches growing in a sideways or downwards direction.
Before you get started growing blueberries you must understand that you will need to put a couple of seasons in before you can reap the benefits of a bountiful blueberry harvest.
You will more than likely not see anything in the first season, and a slight chance in season two. It will be season three and beyond that, you will really get your blueberry fix.
For blueberries, it is a good idea to grow two varieties as this will improve pollination. Also, when you plant the blueberry bushes make sure they are no closer than four feet. Five feet would be ideal.
Blueberries can easily be grown in tubs on a patio. They all like cool moist conditions. Blueberry bushes love acidic soil and your soil should be under 5.0 on the pH scale. If you are not sure what your soil’s pH level is then obtain a pH soil testing kit from your local home or garden center. If you need to lower your soil’s pH level, powdered sulfur will do the trick, however, read the recommendations on the pH test kit to see what they recommend to use in your area of the world.
Home Garden’s Blueberries
When the soil is sandy, blueberries will thrive, blueberries do very well, especially more towards coastal areas. On a side note if you are ever in New Jersey, visit Hammonton, the self-described blueberry capital of New Jersey. They grow and sell loads of them.
Make sure you remove all weeds in and around the blueberry bush. If your bushes have to compete with weeds for water and nutrients they, your blueberry bushes, will lose that battle. Also, do not overwater. If you soak the roots, they will get root rot and your bushes will die.
