Blueberries
Community, Just For Fun April 4, 2021
I think that most people enjoy eating a handful of blueberries. Eating them always reminds me of my grandfather because he always puts them on his cereal in the morning. Blueberries grow pretty well here, but there are a few things to be aware of so let’s talk about those so that you can have a successful blueberry crop.
If you are selecting a site to plant blueberries, choose a place that will receive full sun for at least half a day. They can grow in shady spots, but the fruit production will be less. Blueberries like soil with a pH of 4.5 – 5.2. This trait makes them well adapted to native soils because most of our soils will naturally be in that range. Therefore, lime is probably not needed when planting blueberries. Rabbiteyes do best with 5 – 6 feet between plants in row and 11 – 12 feet between rows. When planting make sure you don’t plant too deep. After planting prune back 1/3 to ½ of the plant. This will cause the plant to focus on developing its root system. The first year you want to pick off any blooms, because you want the plant to put its energy into growing roots and not fruit. You can apply 1 oz. of 10-10-10 after the plant has begun to put on leaves the first year. The second year after planting put out 2 oz. of 10-10-10 in March and July. Make sure not to over fertilize blueberries, as that can harm them. After the third season, apply 1 oz. of 10-10-10 per foot of height on the bush.
Blueberry bushes do require pruning each year. Once plants reach 6 feet high you’ll want to start cane renewal pruning. This means removing 1 – 3 of the biggest canes each winter at ground level. Over a period of 5 years the bush will be completely renewed. New canes are going to bear more fruit than old canes so it’s important to maintain this pruning process. If you have bushes that haven’t been pruned for a few years, it might take several seasons to get bushes into the 5-year rotation. After you’ve picked the fruit, you can top plants if they are over 6 feet tall. This will keep bushes at a more manageable height.
Blueberries aren’t bothered by many insects or diseases. However, one disease to look out for is mummy berry. It will cause berries to shrivel up and drop. The berries that drop carry the pathogen over to the next year. Therefore, it’s important to keep the space beneath your bushes sanitary. Remove any old berries, wood, and leaves. Placing thick mulch around the base of plants will help prevent the disease from spreading as well. Captan is an effective fungicide at controlling mummy berry, but the timing of the application is very important. You must apply it while the flowers are in bloom because that is when the infection occurs. You must spray Captan every 7-10 days during bloom. Serenade is another product that you can spray instead of Captan that is organic, but it is not as effective.
If you have questions about growing blueberries contact your County Extension Office or send me an email at [email protected].
Are you Aware: Celebrations can continue after the Fourth in July
Just For Fun July 5, 2020
While the Fourth is the premiere day for Americans in July, the month is full of quite a few days and monthly observances. Whatever you are passionate about, it’s probably recognized in July.
July 2020 Monthly Observances
- Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month: Does your family know what to do in case of a tornado? Do you know what a bug-out bag is? This is the month to learn how to handle a disaster.
- Family Golf Month: Grab your clubs and hit the green. Golf is a popular family activity, but if it isn’t your think, hit a miniature golf course and putt-away.
Photo by Dmitry Kovalchuk on Unsplash
Plan a golf trip with the family this month. - International Alopecia Month for Women: alopecia is pattern baldness and it does affect women as well as men. Learn more at WebMD.
- International Zine (small magazine) Month
- National Blueberry Month: blueberry cobbler, blueberry smoothies, blueberry pie. Need we say more?
- National Cell Phone Courtesy Month: Place it on vibrate when appropriate such as court, movie theaters, or church. It’s not that hard.
- National Deli Salad Month: Pick your favorite deli and enjoy crunchy greens with your favorite dressing.
- National “Doghouse Repairs” Month: Fido’s home might need a fresh coat of paint, a few missing shingles replaced. Take care of the pooch.
- National Family Reunion Month: Whether it’s as simple as dinner at your favorite restaurant or a potluck, or a weekend long event, get the cousins, aunts and uncles together for family fun.
- National Grilling Month: fire it up and toss on burgers, fish, chicken, veggies, whatever you like. Find great recipes at Taste of Home.
- National Horseradish Month: celebrate the hardy perennial.National Hot Dog Month: you can throw these on the grill, too, at a family reunion. Serve with blueberries and watermelon.
- National Ice Cream Month: Add blueberries and enjoy at the family reunion. Make your own ice cream for a family fun and tasty treat. You can also take the family to Mayfield Dairy in Athens, Tennessee. For more information, visit here.
- National Make a Difference to Children Month: making a difference doesn’t mean changing the world. Do what you can even if it’s just a smile and a fist bump.
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: The U.S. House of Representatives named July Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008 to help ease the stigma of mental illness.
- National Park and Recreation Month: North Georgia is full of parks from local rec centers to National Parks. Pick a day and go visit.
- National Vacation Rental Month: From beaches to mountains, find a place and go!
- National Watermelon Month: MMMMM, fresh from the garden, farmer’s market, or grocery store, enjoy!
- Smart Irrigation Month: there are many ways to irrigate. Find what works best for your yard, garden, or farm.
- Social Wellness Month: Learn more at the National Institute of Health.
- Women’s Motorcycle Month: According to motorcycle.com, he Motorcycle Safety Foundation says women make up nearly 30 percent of students in its Basic Rider Courses program.
- Worldwide Bereaved Parents Awareness Month: sadly, we probably know someone whose buried a child too soon. Attention is plentiful in the early days, but wanes too quickly. Reach out to them. Let them know you are still there.
See what days are celebrated in July at Not Just Bingo.
Featured image: Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
Read about a monastery located in Resaca, here.