How to Grow Blueberries

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How to Grow Blueberries

Blueberries are good for you!  They are low in calories,
low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.  They are a
good source of fiber and they contain pectin which is
known to lower blood cholesterol levels.  They are said
to help prevent bladder infections and are said to have
some ability in preventing some kinds of cancers.

Blueberries are easy to grow, but it takes them three
years before they produce much fruit and almost six
years to get fully up to speed.

If you are in a northern state like Ohio you want
Highbush Blueberry plants.  If you are in a southern
state, you want Rabbiteye or Southern Highbush
Blueberry plants.

Blueberry plants will produce fruit if you only plant
one kind of Blueberry, but if you plant more than one
cultivar in your berry patch your plants will produce
more fruit and the fruit will be larger.  So if possible
plant two different varieties so they can cross pollinate.

Like most plants Blueberries really like good rich soil
that drains well.  They need water on a regular basis
when first planted, but don’t keep the soil soggy all
the time.  Allow it to dry between waterings.

Plants should be at least 4′ apart, 5′ would be better.
For the first 3 years little pruning is required.  By
the 4th year you can remove all dead wood from inside
the plant, and remove any branches that are criss
crossing inside the plant.  All remaining branches
need plenty of sunlight and air flow.

It’s a good idea to put a layer of mulch over the root
zone of Blueberry plants to maintain moisture, uniform
soil temperatures and control weeds.

By years 5 and 6 you will be in Blueberry heaven and
your Blueberry plants will just keep right on producing
an ample crop of Blueberries for many years to come.
Just keep them pruned.  In the colder states normal
pruning is done in mid March.  Warmer states prune
much earlier.

Have a Blueberry good time!
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Take care, have a great day and by all means stay inspired!
-Mike McGroarty