Blueberries

We’ve been touting blueberries for the last couple of years. It’s almost as if they’ve been rediscovered! One of the reasons for all this press is the health benefits that have recently been found. Another factor is that blueberries are really good container plants. And last, but not least, are the new varieties that can be grown in areas with almost no cold and relatively alkaline soil. We do, however, recommend that you amend your soil if it is alkaline with an acidic soil amendment, such as peat moss or an azalea-camellia mix. Monthly applications of an acidic fertilizer during the growing season will produce the best results.

The blueberries we carry are called Highbush blueberries which are known for the best quality berry. The plants are generally upright, growing four to six feet. They make attractive landscape plants in addition to their culinary uses. Blueberries are delicious in pancakes, muffins, in fruit salads, pies and sauces. We’ve included a muffin recipe below.

Since blueberries produce best with two different varieties, you can plant two together in a large container, such as a half wine barrel. Fill the bottom of your container and pack it down, Place the blueberry inside and fill around the roots.

Don’t let the container dry out completely! A mulch on the surface will help retain moisture. This is also important to remember when planting in the ground. The plants do not like to sit in water, neither do they wish to be dry. The roots are near the surface so be careful when weeding and avoid cultivating around them. Dave Wilson Nursery advises avoiding fertilizer containing nitrogen in nitrate form. In hottest climates, afternoon shade is advisable.

It will take two to three years to get a full crop. An adequate yield requires about one plant per person – but that, of course, depends on how much you like to eat and cook with your crop! Blueberries need very little pruning; simply remove the dead wood every year.

The following container mix is the one recommended by Dave Wilson Nursery, supplier of most of the blueberries we sell.

• Mix 1/3 quarter inch pathway bark, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 forest by-product based potting soil, and a handful of soil sulfur per plant
• Next, choose a container. A small plant, such as one grown in a gallon pot, should be replanted in a 2 to 5 gallon container.
• Larger plants, 2 to 5 gallon size, should be planted in a 16 to 20” container.

Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup white flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup and 2 tablespoons milk
(can use low fat)
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Spray muffin tin with nonstick spray.
• Thoroughly blend first five ingredients in a large bowl. Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl.
• Add the milk, oil, vanilla and lemon rind. Add wet mixture to dry.
• Stir just until flour is moistened. Lumpy is good.
• Add blueberries gently. Fill tins ¾ full.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes until tops are golden.