Growing Blueberries in the Western United States

Mulch and a Shade Cloth are the keys to a Healthy Crop in Southern Oregon

Ahhh blueberries! They not only taste good but they are good for us. Based on research data performed by the USDA, blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. A serving of blueberries will help to protect the body from the damaging effects of age related chronic diseases. USDA labs have also discovered that blueberries, along with other colorful fruits and vegetables, test high in their ability to subdue free radicals. These aren't old hippies from the 60's but cause chemical reactions in the body and can cause oxidative damage. Anything that prevents these free radicals from their rampaging acts of destruction actually acts as an anti-aging mechanism. So eat your fruits and vegetables!

According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, blueberry plants lend themselves to the organic approach of gardening because pesticides are rarely needed in home garden plantings. Incorporating peat moss, well decayed pine sawdust or bark will improve the chances of blueberry plant survival and growth. Be sure to avoid sticky hardwood sawdust that will act as a sealant and slow the migration of water to the roots.

Blueberries require a lower pH compared to most other fruit crops. I made my own mulch using bark from ponderosa pine trees that I put through a chipper-shredder. In addition to helping to lower the pH of the soil it generates a nice homely landscaped feel within the garden while also acting as a weed inhibitor.

Theoretically, the yield is reduced with increasing shade; however, summer Oregon summers can be very hot with temperatures reaching well into the 100's in July and August. A shade cloth will protect younger plants from becoming fried while still allowing enough sunlight for a respectable harvest. The added protection, coupled with adequate mulch helps to keep the soil within an ideal range for moisture content and temperature variation. Blueberries have relatively shallow roots so we don't want them to dry out.

Birds (especially robins) seem to have a special affinity for blueberries. By using a shade cloth over the top and bird netting on the side you can assure that you'll be harvesting large ripe blueberries at harvest time. The birds can seemingly pick a bush clean in a day.

After planting additional blueberry plants in the fall we picked off all of the blossoms in the spring so that the plant would expend its energy on establishing a healthy root and branch system.

Sources:

US Highbush Blueberry Council, Blueberries for Health

Charles Mainland & William Cline, Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden, NC State University