For those who decide to plant blueberries in their summer cottage, I have prepared useful recommendations. Having good experience in planting many cultivated plants, I consider it necessary to share it with novice gardeners. Blueberries are very whimsical to the composition of the soil and the proximity to other plants. To avoid mistakes and enjoy a good harvest, you must follow clear instructions when planting this plant.
Important conditions
Before planting any plant in open ground, I always study the main features, without which further manipulations will not be successful. The following conditions are optimal for blueberries:
- soil acidity should be in the range of 3.5–4.5 pH;
- the distance between the bushes is not less than 60 cm;
- well-lit landing site;
- conformity of the variety to the region of cultivation.
I plant blueberries in the spring in open ground when the weather is favorable for this. It is better to do this before the kidneys swell. For myself, I have long made it a rule to refer to the lunar calendar so that the plant takes root well. The absence of wind and rain is necessary during planting so that the plant adapts to climate conditions. Each region has its own weather characteristics, so the blueberry variety must match it. The Urals and Siberia, for example, suggest the choice of frost-resistant plants, and the Volga region - drought-resistant.
Cooking holes
After choosing the desired variety and planting date, prepare the site and soil. I made holes 10 days before planting in order for the soil to settle.
- The diameter of the rounded fossa is approximately 70 cm;
- hole depth - 60 cm;
- the distance between undersized bushes is 60 cm, tall ones - 1–1.5 m;
- distance between rows is at least 2 m.
At the bottom of the hole, he made a drainage layer of coniferous bark and branches. Chalk and limestone gravel cannot be used. This lowers the acidity of the soil. If the earth is dense and clayey, then I deepen the hole harder and increase the drainage layer.
Soil substrate and planting
Before planting, I recommend getting seedlings from the container carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots. I knead the earthen ball, spreading the roots to the sides. This is necessary so that the plant is well rooted and does not die. In the prepared hole I make a small mound and place a blueberry seedling on it.
Soil soil should consist of components that provide the necessary acidity:
- peat,
- sawdust,
- sand,
- sulfur.
I fill the hole with the seedling with a substrate based on these components and compact it well. I do not add manure or use it for top dressing, because organic fertilizers change the composition and pH of the soil.
After compacting the soil, I water the plant and add the remaining substrate mixture. The process does not end there. To maintain the necessary humidity and acidity, it is necessary to mulch with coniferous sawdust about 4 cm thick. Such a layer will protect against drying out and gradually acidify the soil.
Care after landing
Blueberries need feeding and care throughout the season. To protect against overheating in hot summers, I spray the bushes with water in the afternoon. Periodically water with acidified water. Approximately every 5-6 weeks I apply mineral fertilizers. Cost per bush:
- 90 g ammonium sulfate;
- 30 g potassium sulfate.
Loosening and removing weeds is an integral part of care. I loosen blueberries shallowly, 3 cm will be enough.
An important condition for growing blueberries is the correct proximity to other plants. Only those crops that prefer acidic soils are planted nearby:
- lingonberries;
- cranberries;
- sorrel;
- rhododendrons.
Blueberry bushes will give a good harvest if you approach the process of planting it seriously, without making mistakes in care.
- acidic soil;
- sunny place;
- regular and abundant watering;
- mineral supplements;
- loosening.
These and other equally important points must be considered when deciding to grow blueberries.
I would like to note that this berry is becoming more popular with summer residents and farmers every year. This means that there should be more information about the experience of growing it, but not all of it is true. In fact, many methods do not work. Sharing knowledge about growing blueberries will be useful for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Please share them in the comments.
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