How to Grow and Harvest Blueberries: A Guide from a Farmer
Blueberries are a popular fruit that is enjoyed all around the world. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with antioxidants and nutrients. In this blog post, we will be learning how to grow blueberries from a farmer who has been growing blueberries for the past 13 years.
Hello everyone, in this video, I'm touring a blueberry farm and picking my own blueberries to eat. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know on how to grow blueberries, so let's get started.
Variety
Let's first cover the variety of blueberries. Blueberries are native to North America, but they don't grow in California historically. The whole blueberry industry here is only about 14 years old. Southern highbush varieties are the best for growing in California because they have lower chilling requirements. Jon, the farmer, has three southern highbush varieties: star (early), emerald (intermediate), and South moon (late). Research the variety of blueberries that grow best in your region and your climate. Blueberries like acidic soil and pH level between 4.5 and 5.5.
Soil
Native soil pH in central California is 7, which is neutral. Blueberries require acidic soil, so before planting, Jon had to lower the soil pH. He used sulfuric acid, which is hazardous. He would hire a service to put it on for him. On a smaller scale, you can use elemental sulfur, vinegar, or premix soil in bags. Prepare the ground at least six months before planting by mixing compost and elemental sulfur. Start in early fall, and the sulfur will break down over the period of next month, lowering the pH of the soil. The ground will be ready for planting in the spring.
Planting
You can buy blueberry plants from a nursery that is about one to two years old. Plant blueberry bushes and rows with spacing of three feet and anywhere from twelve to fifteen feet apart. Blueberries prefer full sun, so plant them in an area that receives a lot of sun. Soon, the blueberry plants will begin to grow, and blueberries will start appearing on the plants the following year after planting. However, it takes four to five years for blueberries to reach their potential and produce an optimal harvest.
Watering
The best way to water blueberries is with drip irrigation so that you can easily control the amount of water. If your soil is too heavy, like heavy clay, or you have drainage issues, just add a lot of organic matter and compost to improve drainage. Any plant can drown, so plant everything on a mound or a berm to get drainage.
Pruning
Blueberry plants don't require pruning, but you can hedge prune them on the sides and top to keep them more compact.
Pesticides
Blueberries don't have many native pressures, but Western flower thrips can chew and suck on the foliage, stunting the plant and causing less productivity. Use natural techniques like microscopic wasps that parasitize and lay their eggs into the thrips to control them.
Protection
Birds can damage blueberries, so use visual deterrents like flash tape, air inflatable scarecrows, air dancers, al decoys, hawk decoys, or propane cannons to scare them away.
Picking
Blueberries grow in clusters and don't all ripen at the same time. Pick the ripest and sweetest blueberries from the cluster by holding the bunches and gently pulling them off the stem. Avoid picking the unripe and green berries.
In conclusion, growing blueberries can be a fun and rewarding experience. Remember, growing blueberries takes time and patience. It may take several years for your blueberry bushes to reach their full potential and produce optimal harvests. But with the right care and attention, you can enjoy the sweet rewards of growing your own blueberries.
Come visit Daisy Creek Farms to pick your own blueberries and taste the difference!