Winter Blueberry Care
                                      (August 2017)
For optimal growth, blueberry bushes need a well-drained and moderately acid soil, high in organic matter. Soil preparation and maintenance, reliable watering, and monitoring soil pH, are all essential to growing Blueberries successfully. Mid to late winter is a good time to carry out seasonal maintenance and includes the following:

• Test the soil’s pH, maintaining it between 4.5 and 5.5. The most accurate way to check without sending a sample off for laboratory analysis is with a Manutec soil pH test kit or a professional quality pH meter such as a Kelway. Adding Sulphur is one of the most immediate ways of lowering pH if it is too alkaline for their liking;
• Remove any remnant mulch from the previous season;
• Judiciously incorporate processed cow manure (prevents introducing pesky weed seeds) and pelletised chicken manure pellets such as Dynamic Lifter to the soil’s surface;
• Apply potassium sulphate at the recommended rate (promotes flowers, fruit, and plant resilience);
• Intermittent applications of seaweed tonics, microbe-rich compost brews, and fertiliser and comfrey teas, is highly beneficial, including during the winter months;
• Apply a generous new layer of organic mulch such as straw or Lucerne, avoiding the base of the plant;  
• Remove any dead, diseased, crossing/rubbing, or dying wood, using sanitised bypass secateurs. Remove congested branching to maintain good air circulation and optimum light. Blueberries fruit on one year old wood with optimum fruiting being on stems around three years of age – bearing this in mind, cut out any older stems over approximately 5 years of age.

 

• If you are considering growing blueberries, mid to late spring is the optimum time to plant as the soil is warm and the sun’s rays are mostly civilised and nurturing.

 
Blueberry plants grow approximately 2-3m high and 1m wide and can be planted 1.5m apart.  They prefer a sunny aspect protected from strong winds and hot afternoon sun. These attractive shrubs have varying degrees of frost tolerance and require a period of winter chill to aid fruit production.
 
Blueberries benefit from cross-pollination between species so planting multiple varieties will increase yield. Planting different types with differing fruiting times also prolongs the picking season and insures against seasonal weather mishaps including early/late frosts.
 

With appropriate care, blueberry bushes will produce bumper crops and live for many years.