Use and Care Manual

maintain uniform soil moisture and good soil structure, and it reduces soil temperature in the
summer. Replenish the mulch as needed. Water the planting frequently enough to keep the soil
moist but not saturated throughout the life of the planting.
Care of Plants
In the first two years, remove flowers in the spring to encourage vegetative growth.
Encouragement of vegetative growth is essential for healthy plants in the following years. A
good-sized, healthy canopy is needed to support the fruit.
The need for fertilizer will be indicated by plant growth and foliage color. Generally one
application of an acid-producing fertilizer in early spring will be sufficient. Blueberries are in the
same plant family as azaleas and rhododendrons, and an azalea fertilizer formulated for acid-
loving plants works well for a small planting. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to
amount and method of application.
Pruning
The objectives of pruning are to remove dead and diseased wood, shape the bush and maintain
an adequate number of vigorous main stems to produce large berries. Pruning new bushes is
needed only to remove any dead or dying parts of branches. After the fifth year, prune the
bushes annually in the early spring, just before growth starts.
Fruit is produced on one-year-old wood. The largest berries are produced on the most vigorous
wood, so a good supply of strong, one-year-old wood is desirable. Keep the bush fairly open by
cutting out any weak, old stems that no longer produce strong young wood. Remove these
older stems at ground level. Keep four to six of the vigorous older stems and one to two strong
new shoots per mature bush. The new shoots will eventually replace the older stems.
Pests
Blueberries are very attractive to birds. Birds can eat the entire crop off a small planting if it is
not protected. Covering the individual bushes or the entire planting with netting supported by a
light frame is the best protection. Secure the netting so there is no place for the birds to enter.
The fruit ripens over a three week period, and you will have to remove the netting to harvest.
The netting should not shade the plants or they will not flower well the following year. Be sure
to completely remove the netting after harvest.
Insects and diseases are not likely to cause problems with most plants. Careful pruning will help
prevent disease infection. Prune out and destroy any part of the plant that is dead or dying.