Blueberries are a favorite snack for kids and adults alike. But unless you’re planning a trek into the deep woods to hunt for wild berries, they can be pretty hard to find in the wild. The good news? Cultivated blueberries are just as delicious, and they are surprisingly easy to grow right in your own backyard!
The Secret to Happy, Healthy Blueberries
Unlike their wild cousins that hide out under shady forest canopies, garden blueberries are total sun-worshippers. To get those big, juicy berries we all love, your bushes need plenty of direct sunlight.
The soil is the next big thing to get right. Blueberries love loose, well-draining soil that is acidic (low pH) and lime-free. If your soil has too much lime, the plant won’t be able to soak up iron, which leads to those sickly yellow leaves. If your garden has heavy clay or alkaline soil, don’t sweat it! Just grow your blueberries in large pots instead. Using a standard rhododendron or azalea potting mix works like a charm since it provides that acidic environment they crave.
When it’s time to plant your blueberry bush, be careful not to bury it too deep. These plants are shallow-rooted and their roots need to breathe. A pro tip is to let the root ball sit about an inch or two above the ground level, then cover the top with a nice layer of bark mulch. This protects the roots while making sure they get all the oxygen they need to thrive.
Enjoying a Never-Ending Harvest
With our summers getting hotter and drier, the number one care tip is consistent watering. If blueberries get too thirsty, the fruit will stay tiny and drop off the bush before you even get a chance to pick them. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the taste of a sun-warmed berry straight from the branch (just give them a quick rinse first!).
Fresh blueberries don’t stay perfect forever—they’ll only last a few days in the fridge. But here’s the best part: blueberries don’t all ripen at once. They ripen in stages, so you won’t be overwhelmed by a massive mountain of berries all in one day. If you do end up with a bumper crop from a large hedge, they freeze beautifully or can be whipped into some amazing homemade jam.