This year's frosts shrink blueberry crop, but growth hacks help
This year's frosts have negatively impacted the condition of the highbush blueberry. The yield will be significantly smaller than in previous years. However, there is a way to save some of the fruit.
8:28 PM EDT, June 2, 2024
The highbush blueberry is a perennial plant that can yield fruit for up to 25 years. The older it gets, the more fruit it produces, though the yield largely depends on the weather. This year's frosts have heavily affected the plant's condition.
Experienced gardeners have no illusions — this year, a big harvest is unlikely. But can you somehow stimulate the plant to grow? Try one of the following methods to increase this year's blueberry yield.
How to cultivate blueberries?
The highbush blueberry is a perennial plant. After planting, it can bear fruit for 20-25 years. The first fruits appear as soon as a year after planting, and after four years, the yield is quite abundant.
How do you care for blueberries to ensure they produce a lot of fruit? Blueberries develop best in a warm place sheltered from the wind. The soil in which they grow is also essential. It's an acid-loving plant that should be planted in acidic, light, and well-drained soil.
One of the most crucial care procedures is watering. Highbush blueberries need a lot of water, especially during the fruiting period. How often should you water blueberries? At least twice a week and daily during droughts. Water should be poured directly onto the roots.
Although highbush blueberry is frost-resistant, frost can severely damage the plant when it starts to bloom, as was the case this year. Damaged fruits will not ripen, which means that this year's yield will be less abundant than in previous years.
Water blueberries with this to increase this year’s yield
While blueberries are relatively easy to handle, this year they won’t yield as much as usual. However, you can still stimulate their growth. How to do it? Start with a strong fertilizer. Which conditioner is best? Humic acid, which improves soil structure and stimulates vigorous growth. You can buy it at any well-stocked garden store. Use it according to the producer’s recommendation, and after a few weeks, you’ll see more ripe fruits on the bush.
Also, remember to water the blueberries daily, using about 2-4 gallons of water per bush. After watering, mulch with bark or dried grass to prevent excessive water loss. Stick to these principles, and the blueberry will produce more fruit.
