Growing blueberries is a great addition to any garden or farming operation, and they are a relatively easy crop to grow. Here are some of the basic things you need to know.
Blueberries prefer acid soil (in the pH range around 5 or just below). You can measure the pH level of your field with an inexpensive test kit from the garden store, and see which parts of your yard are best for blueberries. Pine needles and peat moss can help lower the pH if you need to.
Birds are very fond of ripe blueberries, so you should plan on a way to protect them once the harvesting season gets close. Light bird netting over the bushes can be a big help.
Never plant your blueberries in a low-lying area where water accumulates. They need well-drained soil and will not do well if their roots are constantly underwater.
Blueberries are very cold-tolerant which makes them a very popular fruit to grow in the northern regions. In fact, many will not produce fruit properly unless exposed to a certain number of days with freezing temperatures. Make sure to plant the right variety of blueberry to suit your climate.
After picking, blueberries freeze very well so you can store your harvest for later use.
You will need bees to pollinate your blueberry bushes, so take it easy with the pesticides. You can also get better berries if you let your plants cross-pollinate with more than one variety in your berry patch.