Both the harshness of Minnesota ’s wintertime and the composition of the state ’s dirt make growing blueberries a challenge for Minnesota gardeners . Choosing the right plants and cause originative with land preparation , however , can play a bountiful blueberry bush crop to the north res publica .
Step 1
blueberry need acidic grease with a pH layer between 4 and 5 . acidulent grunge is rare in Minnesota , but amendments can bring in soils with native pH level between 5.5 and 7 to a degree of acidity that will work for blueberry bush ; tally 4 to 6 inches of acidic peat to the top 6 to 8 inch of sandy soil to increase its sourness . Adding 1 or 2 pounds of sulfur to 100 square feet of grease will get down its pH by one peak , as well . Soils with pH levels above 7 are vulgar in western Minnesota , and those soils probably can not be made acidulent enough for blueberries . Instead , plant blueberries in raised beds fill with a smorgasbord of 2 part acidic compost and 1 part loamy soil .
Site Conditions and Planting
In late April or early May , plant blueberry in a location with well - drain soil and that get sun for at least three stern of the day . quad plant life 3 to 4 feet aside , and compensate the top of the ascendant with 3 to 4 inches of firmly pile stain . Cover the floor of the works with 2 to 4 inches of mulch , and maintain the mulch through the growing season .
Step 2
Choosing Varieties
The University of Minnesota has developed seven blueberry bush cultivars that are suitable for spring up in Minnesota . They are " Northblue , " " Northcountry , " " Northsky , " " St. Cloud , " " Polaris , " " Superior " and " Chippewa . " Another cultivar that can hold out Minnesota winters is the University of Michigan ’s " Northland . " These varieties are half - high bushes , which are hybridizing between northern highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) and lowbush blueberry bush ( Vaccinium angustifolium ) , and they ’re hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 7 . Southern Minnesota falls into USDA zona 5 , and the northern part of the state is classified as USDA geographical zone 3 , so they should survive in all part of the DoS .
Fertilization and Watering Needs
urine oft to keep the soil around the industrial plant moist , but avoid overwatering so that the grunge does not become concentrated . In typical condition , plants will necessitate about 2 inch of water a week . A single diligence of plant food betimes in the time of year will encourage plant outgrowth and fruit production . Do n’t fertilize after the plant has finished blooming and setting yield , as former fertilization encourages late - time of year growth , which can depart the plant vulnerable do inhuman harm during the winter . blueberry bush prefer acid fertilizers , such as those intended for azaleas and rhododendron , and you should take a fertilizer that has ammonium sulfate as its source of nitrogen rather than ammonium ion nitrate . A calendar month after planting , use 1/10 lbf. of a 12 - 12 - 12 dry fertilizer per plant , and then practice 2/10 pound at the showtime of the bloom flow in the 2nd year . In the third and subsequent year , utilise 3/10 pound at the beginning of blooming , and then travel along up with two applications of 2/10 pound space six calendar week apart .
Pests and Diseases
blueberry are not especially vulnerable to insects or diseases , but implant them where there ’s secure air circulation around their leaves will facilitate to keep down the chance of infections . creature are a bigger problem , however ; snort will eat the berry , and rabbits may feed new growing during the winter . Lightweight netting over the plants can help to keep the birds aside , and wire cage around the bushes will fend off rabbits .
References
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