Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 9th September 2024, 10:34 am

Hi @my-tiny-garden

Great question and you're not alone in asking about Blueberry care.

The quick answer is yes you will get fruit off one bush but much more when you have two of them to cross pollinate. I had one for years and got a good crop.

As for protecting them over the winter they are pretty hardy especially when in pots so they're away from wet soggy ground. I don't fleece mine at all and just feed them in spring and autumn. The biggest thing is pruning them when they get to about 3 years old and older.

How to Prune Blueberries

Well-pruned bushes allow better airflow, sunlight penetration, and a balanced energy distribution, which leads to bigger, better berries. Here’s how you can prune your blueberry plants like a pro!

1. When to Prune Blueberries

The best time to prune blueberries is during late winter or early spring, just before the buds start to swell. This timing minimizes stress on the plant while allowing you to see the structure of the bush without its leaves.

2. Tools You'll Need

• Sharp pruning secateurs to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
• Loppers (for older, thicker branches).
• Disinfectant to clean your tools between cuts and avoid spreading diseases.

3. Understand Blueberry Growth

Blueberry plants produce their fruit on one-year-old wood, meaning the growth from the previous year will bear berries. By pruning, you’re aiming to balance removing old, unproductive wood while encouraging fresh new growth. I tend to remove anything that's 3 years old and above each year, removing 1/4 of the overall plant each winter to generate new growth.

4. Steps for Pruning Blueberries

When pruning blueberries, there are a number of convenient steps to take, mainly all the d's, as we gardeners say, that help you work out what to remove.

a. Remove Dead, Damaged, and Diseased Wood

Start by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. These branches will be darker in color, brittle, or showing visible signs of illness, like black spots. Removing them will help direct the plant’s energy into productive, healthy growth.

b. Cut Out Low and Weak Branches

Prune any branches that are growing low to the ground or are too weak to support a good crop. Branches that are too low may end up with fruit that touches the soil, which increases the risk of disease and pests.

c. Thin Out Older Canes

Older canes, typically more than six years old, become less productive and should be removed. Look for canes that are thicker and less flexible, and cut them back to the base. Aim to keep a mix of young canes (one to three years old) and a few mature canes (four to five years old) to balance fruit production.

d. Encourage New Growth

Focus on encouraging new shoots by thinning out the centre of the plant. This allows sunlight and air to penetrate the bush, leading to better fruit and healthier plants. Remove any crossing branches or those that clutter the centre. This is known as the 'Open Goblet' shape.

e. Shape the Bush

After thinning, step back and shape the bush. Blueberries generally do best with an open, vase-like structure. Keep the centre open and encourage an even spread of branches outward to support good airflow and light exposure.

5. Aftercare

Once pruned, mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. You can also apply a balanced fertilizer to give the bush an extra boost before the growing season begins.

I hope that helps!

Lee Garden Ninja