Blueberries are perennial flowering plants that grow in mostly bush form. This delicious fruit contains: high antioxidants, low calories, fiber, vitamin c and k, and magnesium. It also has many properties that include: fighting cancer, lowering blood pressure, fight heart disease, protect cholesterol, anti-diabetic, fight urinary tract infection, and reduce muscle damage after strenuous workouts. This year we added a few plants to our ever growing homestead. In total we have 12 blueberry plants, a few different kinds for pollination, but 2 or 3 of those plants may have been lost. The number one thing we learn with gardening and homesteading is that you are always learning, did and don’ts. So here are a few of those we have learned, but by doing and reading. Enjoy 😀
The blueberry bush is best planted or transplanted when it is dormant. In my zone, zone 7, that is November- February. They LOVE acidic soil, pH 4-5.8. It is best to plant them in rows, 4-5 feet apart with rows 9-10 feet apart. They like for their roots to be well spread when planting them in their hole. When growing blueberries it is best to be patient. Most bushes produce good edible fruit in year 4 of it’s life. If you are getting a first year bush, it is suggested to clip all blooms off that year in order to stimulate hardy new growth next year.
Before you send your soil, ALWAYS TEST IT. Never guess. With that said, below are ways to lower the pH of your soils for your Blueberry Bushes.
- Peat moss
- Pine needles (best when still greenish)
- Shredded leaves
- Sulfur
- Vinegar
- Fertilizers containing: ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or sulfur-coated urea (note these are usually strong, use with caution!)
- Elemental sulfur (this is slow acting)
How to plant your Blueberry Bushes. Pick a nice sunny spot for best growth, although they will still produce with some shade. Make sure to test your soil and get your pH to 4-5.8 (see above list for assistance). They have shallow roots, therefore soil needs to retain moisture, but drain well enough to not stay too wet. Dig your hole about 20 inches deep and 18 inches wide, for a 1-3 year old bush. We also mix some of our homemade compost into every thing we plant. See our Composting Blog to help you get started with your own money saving compost bin.
We mainly eat our blueberries fresh or after being chilled in the fridge on a warm day. They are sometimes called a Superfood because they kick some serious ass, as far as being a healthy food goes. Plus they are freaking delicious! They are easy to grow and they produce year after year as long as you take good care of them. Below are a few pictures of our Blueberry Bushes and harvest.
Thanks for reading 🤘
Mineral Works 