Blueberries for Sal

One of my favorite children’s story is, Blueberries for Sal.  Not only is it a funny story of quite an unusual mix-up on Blueberry hill, but it also gets me exited for blueberry season.

Years ago, blueberries were not grown here in the Central Valley.  I remember visiting my husband’s uncle in Pennsylvania who had a HUGE blueberry field.  We crouched down inside the netting and ate blueberries (just like Sal) for at least an hour solid! 

Recently in the south valley, farmers are giving blueberries a try.  From what I have heard, the two tricks are: acid soil and lots of MULCH!  Below is a guide to help your backyard blueberries have a great year!

What you need:

·                    Blueberry plants – always plant more than one (for cross-pollination).  In fact, even better is to plant two different varieties.  Last year (my first year of attempting blueberries) I bought my bushes at Lowe’s.  They did not grow too good and I had a booming harvest of 5 berries.  This year, I visited Evergreen Nursery where I bought two varieties that have been engineered to survive our summer heat and winter chill.  These bushes were much more expensive ($25 each), but I am hoping for a much better harvest.  I purchased a Misty Blueberry and a Sharpblue Blueberry.  By the way, these varieties of blueberry plants are more like bushes.  They are evergreen (never die or loose leaves) and can grow up to 6 feet tall!

·                    Acidic Planting Mix – blueberries thrive in acid soil.  My backyard, and most basic potting soil, is that very thing – basic (or alkaline).  Time for a simple Chemistry lesson.  Plants require differing levels of acid.  Most flowers and vegetables thrive in alkaline soil (a high ph).  Blueberries and other favorites like Azaleas & Hydrangeas, propagate best in acidic soil (low ph).  Most nurseries carry acidic soil.  I bought mine at H&E Nursery.  I got a nice 2 cubit feet bag for $8.99.

·                    A place/pot to plant your blueberries.

·                    Mulch – although I have never personally bought mulch, you can ask your local nursery if they have some for purchase.  I usually create my own out of newspaper & leaves!  Remember- I believe in being resourceful (aka- cheap!).

Here’s what I did:

                After I assembled my supplies, I dumped my nice alkaline soil into my barrel.  (If you purchase a new barrel, make sure you drill holes in the bottom so your soil can drain!  I even have my barrels balancing on red bricks to keep the bottoms from rotting out.)

                Dig a nice hole for each plant (remember to purchase at least two plants).  I tucked my plant in right at the soil line. 

                My soil line is about 8 inches down from the top of the barrel.  This will allow me to mulch, mulch, mulch once our summer heat begins.  Blueberry roots do not like to be dried out! 

                Then I watered my new plants.

                If you have the capabilities to hook up a drip line or some watering device to put in your Blueberry Barrel that would be a good idea.  The roots should not ever dry out.  (Hence the trick with Blueberries in Fresno!)

                When our heat begins, tear some black & white newspaper into strips and place over-top of the soil.  Then sprinkle some yard trimmings (not weeds) onto the newspaper.  Even better are pine needles.  Pine needles are naturally acidic so are a great addition to your mulch.  It’s kind of like making a lasagna: paper, clippings, needles, repeat!  Layer to your hearts content!

                Be sure to lift the paper every few days do a visual snail and slug check.  Those rascals love the moist soil- and your blueberries!

This should get to going and on your way to a summer of blueberries.  As with most crops, the first year is the smallest harvest.  Hopefully within a few years we can experience, like little Sal, the kerplink, kerplank, kerplunk of blueberries filling our bowls!

 

Good luck and let me know how it grows!