I love it when I get questions from readers, because not only does it challenge me to think a bit, but I ALWAYS learn so much by reading the comments from other readers. This question comes from reader, Jo. She writes,
Mavis, I need your help. About 5 years ago, I planted a blueberry bush in my yard. The first year or two I got basically no fruit, and the third and fourth years, just a handful or two. It looks like this year is shaping up to be another handful year. It appears to be healthy, and I specifically bought a variety that self-pollinates, so what’s the deal?!
Right off the bat, I want to go on record saying that even the supposed “self-pollinators” simply do not produce a ton of fruit without at least one other blueberry bush in the vicinity. Yes, you’ll get a handful, but if you want a solid blueberry harvest, you are going to want to plant a companion bush. It doesn’t even have to be the same variety {in fact, I think I read somewhere that multiple varieties are actually better}. Really, I think multiple blueberry bushes will be a game changer.
In addition to at least two blueberry bushes, make sure you have acidic enough soil for the bushes. They will still look healthy in less acidic soil, but they won’t produce many berries. They really, really thrive in soil that has a pH between 4.0 and 5.5. A soil test kit is fairly inexpensive, and it will kind of determine if you need to add soil amendments to correct your pH.
Finally, keep a watchful eye on your bird situation. It may be that your blueberries are being high-jacked before you get a chance at them. If that’s the case, toss a net over your bush in an effort to deter your little thieves.
Any of YOU have anything to add?
~Mavis
Joanna says
You’re right, two or more blueberry bushes will increase the yield. And not in the 2x bushes = 2x crop. It’s exponential!
Henrietta says
Birds love blueberries! Make sure the net is secured really good beneath the plant, I have seen the little birds hop underneath the netting.
HunnyWest says
I have heard that if you bury your blue berry to deep the same thing can happen. I’ve four bushes and two are awesome producers while the other two barely produce. I am going to test the soil and see if that is what is going on.
Pat in clackamas says
Since we’re on the subject of blueberries, when do you feed blueberry plants, with what and how often? I planted 8 new bushes this year and they are doing good so far. A few berries on most bushes. I planted them in April this year.
Henrietta, if i didn’t cover my mature blueberries, i wouldn’t get a berry from it!! I cover them from top to bottom. I even put stakes in the ground around the bottom. Those little birds crawl under the netting!! Makes for fun when u want to pick!! But well worth the effort!
Tracy says
I had ten bushes that produced very well. One year I really paid attention to the soil acidity and my “good producers” turned into amazing producers. And yes, you have to net the bushes or tweety will get them all!
Phyllis says
Blueberries have very shallow roots and don’t like them to dry out or sit in puddles…good drainage and mulch help. Besides planting a couple more blueberry bushes for better pollination, plant some flowers that bees can’t resist to bring in more pollinators. My blueberry bushes are surrounded with roses, napeta, and salvia. The bushes are loaded with berries but I always forget to cover the bushes before the birds pick them clean. Very low ph is a necessity for berries. Our county extension tests ph at no charge.
Ani says
Great tips! Going out to see urethane the netting under the bushes. Fyi…I sprinkle coffee grounds around the bushes before they flower for added acidity. An uncle told me to add pine needles each fall.
sara says
My nurseryman/arborist said his dad taught him that our soils in the PNW are low in boron. He suggested 1/2-1 teaspoon borax every early spring. I did that and it made a huge difference in the fruit set. In fact, I probably overdid it on one bush and had tons of fruit and too few leaves so I skipped it this year and they still set fruit quite well.
For birds, I was catching too many when I just put the netting over the bushes and some were dying. My husband made PVC frames for me with a corner left unziptied and secured with clips so that I can go in and pick. Or for small bushes we made frames that can be tipped up. It was all a matter of size. We haven’t lost a bird yet, although now and then one manages to find their way in.
Randy from Randy’s nursery (often at the farmer’s market on Saturday) is my arborist. He is fantastic if you ever need one.
Sandy says
I too had the same problem Jo had with my blueberry harvest and will take your advice for soil ph in consideration for next season. I did the netting for my bushes but also added 2 foil pans to clang together as a deterrent for my blueberry bushes and my garden and they have worked pretty well. Thanks Mavis for all the good information,recipes and links that you give! Keep up the good work!! Sandy in NYS