The Thrill of a Blueberry Hill
By
Mary Giambalvo, Master Gardener
As a native Californian, I never thought I would taste a fresh-picked blueberry
unless I traveled to northern states in their short harvest season. As a hobby gardener, I figured the
Thanks to hybridization and growing trials, we can now raise this latest
darling of nutrition experts in our own yards and patios. Why would we want to grow them? USDA research has shown that blueberries rank
high among fruits with healthful antioxidants and vitamins. In addition, bush-ripened berries have a
lively taste not always found in their imported brethren. Further,
Granted, blueberries would prefer more winter chill hours than the coastal
communities provide, and they absolutely don't want to grow in our alkaline
soil. We can, though, fool them into thinking
this is their perfect habitat.
Blueberries of old required climates that provided many hours of chill in the
winter. Those are the varieties of
Northern highbush blueberries. In more
recent times, the Southern highbush blueberry has been developed and can get
along in cool, but not cold, coastal areas.
There are a number of varieties of Southern highbush blueberry, some
better-tasting than others.
It is a good idea to grow at least three varieties to lengthen the picking
season. I am raising three chosen for
their flavor as well as availability at local nurseries: O'Neal, Sharpblue, and
Reveille. Other varieties are thriving
on the
Blueberries need acidic (low pH) soil.
Most of us in
The soil mixture I use is a combination of 1/3 tree shavings, 1/3 peat moss,
and 1/3 homemade compost. I added a bit
of soil sulfur to further lower the pH, playing with the mixture until the pH
scale read between 4.5 and 5.5. It is a
good idea to periodically test the pH and adjust the materials
accordingly.
Blueberry roots are relatively shallow, and the plants like consistent
water. They do not take kindly to
drought conditions. It is a good idea,
however emotionally painful, to prune off the pretty little blue or pink and
white bell-like flowers the first year, and maybe even the second and third
years, to give the plants an opportunity to expand their roots and send out
more shoots. For the most part, I obeyed
this dictum, but I couldn't resist allowing a few April flowers to escape my
clippers, and they were scrumptious, all three berries. The bushes are flowering in September, too,
and I must struggle with my conscience yet again. Once the blueberries begin to fruit in
earnest, it is a good idea to cover the bushes with a netting unless you want
to share with the bird population.