<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n12. Blueberry Varieties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It may surprise you to learn that there are numerous different varieties of blueberries available for planting. We recommend you go with an established tree, rather than attempting to grow from seed. While raising a tree from seed is a rewarding and satisfying experience, it may take several years for your tree to start yielding decent quantities of fruit. Here are our top choices for the best blueberry bushes for your garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Northern Highbush \u2013 This is the best blueberry variety for colder climates in the Northern States and Canada. This variety is self-pollinating, but growers can increase yields by simulating cross-pollination with other species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early blue \u2013 This is the best option for growing in the Southern States. However, you will need other varieties to ensure cross-pollination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabbiteye \u2013 This pest-resistant type is excellent for newbie blueberry growers, and has an extension on the harvest season until the last few weeks of August. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tifblue \u2013 This variety is a self-pollinating cross, between the Rabbiteye and the Highbush, resulting in a newbie-friendly variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Growing Blueberries in Containers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n While its best to plant blueberries in the ground, there is no reason why you can\u2019t plant the tree in a pot. Potted blueberry trees tend to be shorter in stature, and yield less fruit than a tree growing in the ground, but it still makes an excellent ornamental for your patio or terrace area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most critical point about growing blueberries in containers is selecting the pot itself. Blueberries have reasonably deep root systems to support the weight of the tree and its growth needs. Therefore, we recommend you start your blueberry tree off in a 10-gallon pot and then switch to a larger pot after the first three years of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that blueberries come in self-pollinating species. If you intend on planting a single blueberry tree, you\u2019ll need one of these varieties, like the Northern Highbush. If you choose a type that requires pollination, and you don\u2019t have a companion tree, then your blueberry plant will not bear fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Watering Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n When watering your blueberries, it\u2019s vital that you remember not to overdo it and overly saturate your plants. Blueberries hate \u201cwet feet,\u201d a condition that describes saturation of the roots, resulting in the formation of root disease and rot in your plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also recommend that you avoid watering the foliage of the plant, and only water around the base of the tree. This watering strategy ensures your plants won’t develop diseases like powdery mildew. Blueberries do need plenty of water to thrive, but we recommend that you leave a day between waterings to allow the tree to absorb the water in the ground and prevent root rot or other overwatering problems attributed to wet feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also need to ensure that your flowerbed or pot has excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Don\u2019t assume that the rain is enough to water your plants, as the foliage may act as an umbrella, preventing light showers from reaching the soil around the base of the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n15. Overwintering Your Blueberry Bushes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Blueberries are perennial, meaning that they have multiple growing seasons throughout the life of the plant. If you live in warmer regions of the United States, then you won\u2019t have to worry about any special preparation to help your trees survive the wintertime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blueberries do well in cold winter conditions and can handle snowfall, without sustaining any damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you reside in colder regions of the U.S, such as the Northern States, then we recommend that you make some minor precautions if you live in areas that are prone to snowfall and frost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wrap your tree in burlap for protection from the cold, and cover the roots in a layer of mulch and straw to preserve the moisture in the soil and prevent the roots from freezing. The burlap protects from any cold winds that may kill the blueberry plant. Start the watering cycle as soon as the ground starts to thaw in the early springtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n