If you are like many people, you buy blueberries at the store when necessary but you don’t always get through all of them before they start going bad.
This can be frustrating because blueberries are not cheap.
Even so, we still want to keep them in our diet because they are so full of vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t matter if they are a part of your breakfast or a midafternoon snack, they are always a good choice.
If you would like to enjoy blueberries without the big price, it’s time to start growing your own. You might be surprised by how easy it is to grow a blueberry bush from your own home.
All you have to do is follow these tips. You don’t even need a green thumb to get started.
1. Choose Your Blueberry Bush: There are different blueberry bushes and some will do better in different climates. Make sure you choose the blueberry that is right for your area.
2. Choose Your Soil: The best soil for growing blueberries is slightly acidic soil. If your soil pH isn’t between 4 and 5, you may want to grow the blueberries in a pot.
3. Begin Planting: It isn’t just a matter of planting the bushes, you need to plant the berries where they will get a lot of sunlight. There should be a minimum of 5 feet between each bush. If you use a pot, use one that is at least 18 inches, and make sure you water weekly.
4. Protect the Plants: There are many things out to get your new blueberry plants, including bugs and birds. Cover them with a food-grade net to keep the young plant safe.
5. Pruning: It is a good idea to prune the bushes every three or four years. Make sure you have multiple bushes because the blueberries won’t grow on the bushes the year they are pruned.
6. Picking Time: Watch for buds in the early spring and start picking berries in July. Wait a few days after they turn blue and until they fall off in the hand easily.
Blueberries can be grown in an open field or even in a balcony garden. Once you have them planted, you will have all the blueberries you need.