Today we'll talk about blueberries. This northern berry is very popular due to its rich composition of beneficial trace elements and vitamins. The price of blueberries on store shelves is quite high, so let's figure out how to grow a northern beauty in your garden. I have some experience in growing blueberries, which I will share with you today.
For this berry, both spring and autumn planting is possible. Today I will focus on the autumn one.
I give preference to her, because I think that seedlings with a complex root system have time to take root, gain strength and in the spring go into active growth. In addition, in the autumn, the plant is less susceptible to pest attacks.
Choice of landing dates
When choosing the most suitable time for planting blueberries in the fall, you should first of all focus on the climatic features of your region. The main condition for autumn plantings is that the soil temperature does not exceed five degrees with a plus sign. I am planting blueberries towards the end of October.
Planting material with a closed root system can be planted at almost any time due to the good resistance of the rhizomes to dry weather and low temperatures.
Choosing the right place
Blueberries are a pretty demanding young lady. For planting, give preference to areas with sufficient sunlight. In shady areas, the quality of the crop will be noticeably worse - the berries will be small and sour. Also, blueberries do not like excessive accumulation of moisture. This can cause root rot damage. If there are no other planting options besides the lowland, prepare the embankment in advance, then the berry will feel comfortable.
Soil requirements
Blueberries love soils with a high acidity index. In such conditions, the crop demonstrates good yields.
It is good to grow blueberries on black earth and sandy soils. Personally, I prepared the substrate with my own hands. For this he mixed sod, peat and sandstone in a ratio of 1: 3: 2.
Preparing planting material and pits
The best option for planting are seedlings that have reached the age of two. Each seedling should have a one-year growth and strong twigs. When purchasing seedlings from a garden center, carefully examine the planting material for signs of disease and other damage. Ideally, the roots of a closed-rooted sapling should stick out of the drain. If they are not visible, root rot is most likely.
I usually dig a blueberry planting hole about half a meter deep and about 65 centimeters wide. I organize the sides around the circumference of the landing hole. This is necessary so that the turf does not fall into the tree trunk circle. For the construction of such a side, I use ordinary bricks. To maintain the desired level of acidity, I line the bottom of the hole with geotextile. Next, I arrange a layer of sawdust at least 20 centimeters thick. Do not try to replace sawdust with crushed stone, this will lead to a decrease in the required acidity.
To further enrich the soil, about a week before planting blueberries, I add peat, rotted conifer needles and sand to the planting hole.
The landing technology itself is as follows:
- Pour the nutrient mixture into the prepared planting hole.
- Place the seedling in an upright position in the center of the fossa and gently spread the root system.
- Sprinkle the bush on top with fertile soil and lightly tamp in the root area.
- After planting, it is good to water the bush. The water temperature for irrigation must be at least 24 degrees.
- After the soil has settled slightly, the hole can be filled up to the top edge.
- Remember to mulch the soil to protect the delicate seedling. I use peat and bark fragments as a mulching material. Sufficient layer thickness is five centimeters.
Now you know how to plant blueberries in your area. Good luck with growing!
Read also: To help beginner gardeners: common mistakes when pruning grapes
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