We’ll be doing some important work this month for those of you with blueberries (lowbush and highbush) in the landscape.
These plants fruit best in a soil that is acidic, yet require Calcium to produce well! A bit of a conundrum that we often solve by testing the soil and studying various solutions.
One solution is to add Calcium in the form of Gypsum. This amendment does not change soil pH yet adds the needed Calcium. In addition, we often kickstart new plantings by adding Cottonseed meal to provide a source of acidifying Nitrogen that these plants need (ditto for Mountain Laurels, Rhododendrons, and other Ericaceous family members). However, Cottonseed meal is harsh on soil microorganisms, so we use it only once every four to five years. We’ll also be topdressing your blueberry plantings with pine needles that will slowly break down and provide further acidifying Nitrogen.
If the soil tests low in Potassium, as in common in our region, we will add Kelp Meal or Greensand to help boost this valuable nutrient to promote flowering and fruiting.
The coming of November signals the beginning of the time to prune blueberries, culling out dead and crossing wood, and providing space to encourage new growth tips that will bear fruit next year. Blueberries can be pruned anytime between now and April while they lack leaves and are dormant.
As plants come into flower in late April, we’ll be scratching in Berry Mix to encourage flowers and fruit. Then we can look forward to a July and August harvest!