MAY Blueberry Care

BLUEBERRY CARE

PRUNED, FERTILIZED, MULCHED AND FORTIFIED AGAINST BIRDS!!!

1)FERTILIZATION #2   

It's now time for the second round of fertilization.  This food will help the BERRIES to grow nicely.  Fertilize with Amonium Sulphate : (NH4)2 SO4  Sprinkle around the perimeter of the roots, not the top.  This is the area just beyond the spreading branches.  Use 1 cup for large bushes and about 3/4 cups for medium bushes.  Use less for newer, smaller bushes.

2)PLUCK OFF THE BLOSSOMS if this is the first season of planting.   

I know, it's tough after excitingly watching the flowers bloom out  BUT you should pull off all the flowers, or snip off the little blueberries that have formed if you missed the flower stage.  It will be worthwhile in the long run because this helps to establish a strong root system....I feel your pain!

3)BIRD NETTING 

Be sure to secure the bottom 
because this is where the ROBINS enter!

This is the time to begin thinking about protecting your ripening berries from the birds, unless you are using your bushes to attract birds to your property.  The easiest method is to toss bird or deer netting over your bushes.  My  family tired of lifting, untangling the netting so they created an enclosure last year.  We put it up this weekend...and I'm trying to secure the bottom better after many birds still managed to get inside!
Story Time- As we completed the netted enclosure this past weekend, several birds immediately tried to enter the "fortress".  The next day as the plastic bottom sheets were being placed there was a pair of blue colored birds taking "tag team" turns  at being flying missiles at the netting hoping to break and penetrate the "fortress".   I wish I had my video camera handy!
 I guess I should be flattered that the birds must agree that my blueberries are supreme treasures!  :-)

***My friend still has netting for sale (3 cents/square foot).  It's 16 feet long which is lots longer than you can buy in a store and a square will protect a medium- large bush completely to the ground.

4)MULCHING  

There is still time to mulch your plants.  Mulching helps to keep the moisture in.  LOTS of moisture = bigger, plumper berries! Don't use leaves or egg shells or other high PH mulch since blueberries like acidic soil around 4.09-5.0. (This range is more acidic than other fruit plants.)
 I use tree chips, pine needles and other acid organic matter.
 
5)RELAX, dream about your wonderful harvest and all the yummy ways to enjoy your berries.
Your next care update should be in about a month...

Anne
PS  You can e-mail me if you have any questions about your blueberry plant care.