There’s just something about fresh blueberries in the summer!
Sun warmed, jewel-toned, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re tossing them in a cobbler or eating them straight from the bush, this is the time of year for blueberry lovers to rejoice.
And the best part? It’s never too late to plant blueberries for a harvest of your own. We carry many highbush blueberry varieties in-store that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. A few of our favorites are;
- Blueray produces large, sweet berries early in the season, ideal for snacking or baking.
- Burlington offers firm, flavorful fruit with good shelf life, great for canning and freezing.
- Bluejay is known for its juicy, medium-sized berries and consistent yields.
- Elliott ripens late with a tart-sweet flavor perfect for jam.
- Jersey delivers big yields of classic-tasting berries.
- Patriot is an early variety with large, aromatic berries and reliable cold hardiness.
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Chances are, your native soil will need a little help to get there. Before planting, it’s smart to do a simple soil test (we can help you with that if you’re unsure where to start). Pelletized sulfur is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring it down naturally. It’s slow-acting but long-lasting, and safe to use in backyard gardens. Just apply a few weeks before planting, or in early fall if you’re prepping for next year, and you’ll be giving your blueberries the acidic foundation they need to thrive.
Blueberries like well-drained soil, full sun, and a good layer of mulch (pine bark or needles work great) to help retain moisture and keep roots cool. Once planted, water regularly, especially during dry spells, and be patient. Prune lightly in late winter to encourage strong growth, and continue feeding each spring and fall to maintain that perfect acidic balance.
Our Organic Fertilizing and Acidifying schedule looks like this;
In early spring, apply Holly-tone or NatureSafe 5-6-6
In late spring or early summer, side-dress with worm castings or a mild compost tea, like bunny poop (now brewed freshly every second Saturday of the month).
Mid-season yellowing? A light dose of fish emulsion or feather meal will do the trick.
In the first year after planting, the bush is busy establishing its root system, so while you might see a few berries, it’s best to remove them to encourage strong growth. By the second or third year, you can expect a light harvest, just enough for some fresh snacking or a small bowl to share. Around years four to five, the plant really hits its stride and starts producing a substantial crop. With proper care, mature highbush varieties can yield five to ten pounds of fruit each season, making them a rewarding long-term addition to any garden.
If fresh blueberries are your jam, then it’s definitely time to plant some of your own! Visit us in-store at The Farm Connection to explore our selection of high-quality blueberry bushes, amendments, organic fertilizers, and find the perfect bushes for your garden. We’re here to help you grow a delicious harvest that will keep you snacking all season long.