I think at this point everyone is past the shock of inflation and now it is just irritating. I started
growing my own fruits and veggies a couple years ago and there is nothing more rewarding than going
and picking something you grew to use in your dinner recipe or some fresh fruit to put on your yogurt,
cereal, or just for a snack. Let me tell you I do not miss paying $1.50 for ONE bell pepper!
A lot of people say you need to have a green thumb, or they can’t keep anything alive no matter
how hard they try. They are trying too hard. If you are one of those people just remember not to
overcomplicate it. It should be a fun and rewarding experience. All it takes to start your own edible
garden is a little know-how and some love. Yes, that’s right LOVE.
In the morning after I wake up and make my coffee I go sit outside and enjoy my dog running
around. While I am waiting for the magical brew in my cup to do its thing. Then I go to each plant and
admire its desire to flourish – giving me motivation to do the same. I also do a quick check to make sure
no weird shit happened during the night (Those pesky rabbits 🐰). Give them a drink, good drainage is key
to avoiding overwatering. Then I admire them some more while I finish my coffee and go about my day.
This week I will tell you about blueberries since they are as expensive per pint as Haagen-Dazs
these days. Blueberries are a super hardy plant which surprised me because the ones at the store seem
so delicate. I think it is important to realize plants want to live! Blueberries are social plants and like to
have at least one other blueberry buddy around. I would not recommend trying to start these from
seed, not because it’s particularly difficult, it’s a long process as new plants don’t produce fruit for 2-3
years. Just buy a couple bushes so they can pollinate each other. You don’t have to have multiple plants
thanks to your friendly neighborhood bees, but if you have a couple different varieties the blueberry
bushes produce more flavorful robust berries.
I have learned through trial and error. So here are some tips:
> Blueberries like acidic soil. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
o You can tell if your blueberry plant is struggling with low PH by observing signs like
stunted growth and yellowing/browning of leaves.
o No need to do PH testing or anything crazy. If your plant looks like it needs a boost, try
sprinkling some coffee grounds or eggshells on the soil.
> They Love the sunshine! 🌞
o Place them in a place where they get full sun for most of the day.
> Don’t worry, they won’t burn.
> Don’t water the leaves.
o Leaves are there to catch the sunshine and photosynthesize. Although it is not a huge
deal if the leaves get wet, but your target should be the soil.
o The roots transport moisture throughout the plant.
o As long as your blueberry plant has well-draining soil don’t worry too much about over
watering just give ‘em a good drink every day, or every other day. If you are thirsty…so
are your blueberries.
> Fun Facts from the University of Maryland!
o A mature blueberry plant will produce 6 to 8 pounds of blueberries per year. (that is 7-9
pints! At about $6 per pint from the store. That’s $50 and I bought my bush for around
$20!)
o After you harvest, berries should be refrigerated and are good for about a week or so.
o Due to soil acidity pests are not likely to be a problem. So, no need for pesticide unless a
specific issue comes up.
o https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-blueberries-home-garden#harvest-and-
storage-19613