Frosts threaten this year's blueberry yield: Tips to save your crop
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.
1 Jun 2024 | updated: 2 June 2024 11:36
Highbush blueberry is a perennial plant that can yield fruit for up to 25 years. The older it gets, the more fruit it produces. The yield depends on the weather; this year's frosts have heavily affected the plant's condition.
Experienced gardeners have no illusions — don't expect a big harvest this year. 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?
Highbush blueberry is a perennial plant that can bear fruit for 20-25 years after planting. The first fruits appear as soon as one year after planting, and the yield is quite abundant after four years.
How to 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. Being an acid-loving plant, it should be planted in acidic, light, and well-drained soil with an acidic reaction.
The most crucial care procedure 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 to the roots.
Highbush blueberry is frost-resistant, but when it starts to bloom, frost can severely damage it. That was the case this year. Damaged fruits will not ripen, so this year's yield won't be as abundant as in previous years.
Water blueberries with this to increase this year’s yield
Blueberries are easy to handle, yet this year they won’t yield as much as usual. That doesn’t mean you can’t stimulate their growth. How to do it? Start with a strong fertilizer. Which conditioner is best? Humic acid improves soil structure and stimulates the plant to 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, more ripe fruits will appear on the bush.
Also, remember to water the blueberries daily. Use about 7-15 litres of water per bush. After watering, mulch with bark or dried grass, which will prevent excessive water loss. Stick to these principles, and the blueberry will produce more fruit.
