Getting started with blueberry
Blueberries, a superfood packed with antioxidants from our own North Limburg. So healthy, we want to try them ourselves.
Growers Leon and Anja Schrijnwerkers from Grubbenvorst are setting up our vegetable garden. A small tasting session at Schrijnwerkers in Grubbenvorst proves once again how delicious and healthy blueberries are. But, as growers Anja and Leon impress upon us, berries that come from your own bush are the most delicious. Of course, we don't need to be told twice, so off we go to the vegetable and fruit garden.
The best time to plant blueberry bushes is in the fall. Varieties that thrive best in our climate, such as Northern Highbush Blueberry, need 700 hours of "chilling hours." These are hours during which the temperature remains below 7 degrees Celsius. Leon: "If you turn the gas tap on full in the greenhouse in January, it's like asking someone to work after two hours of sleep. You're not happy and you're out of balance. The same applies to plants. They need their rest and cold hours."
Substrate
Blueberries naturally prefer sandy soil. If you have a few square meters available in your vegetable garden, ensure that the soil is loose, sandy, and well-drained. However, blueberry bushes are particular. They also require a pH level of 4.5. "For professional growers, peat from the Baltic states is best. It has a good structure, provides acidity, does not compost quickly, and allows water to drain easily. As a consumer, however, you can also use garden peat," says Leon.
Wet feet
Blueberry bushes need a lot of water, but they are not marsh plants. They don't like wet feet. That's why Anja and Leon use ridges/dams on their 24 hectares in Grubbenvorst. These consist of white peat and composted wood chips and ensure that the plants do not get too much water. In your vegetable garden, dig a hole measuring 50 by 50 centimeters. Place the plant slightly above ground level so that it does not get wet feet. However, too little water is also not good. Going on vacation? Then give your neighbor Truus a colander as a gift and urge her to keep watering the bushes.
No garden?
Don't have a picturesque vegetable garden? Don't worry. You can also plant a blueberry bush in a nice pot. Make sure you use the right soil composition (such as Baltic peat or garden peat) and allow water to drain away. A nice pot will make a great addition to your patio. Tip: fertilize the plant once in April and once in June with a tablespoon of NPK plant food.
Picking fruit
If you keep the birds away and prune the plant regularly, you are guaranteed 20 to 25 years of delicious blueberries from your own garden. And, as Anja and Leon can attest, they are the most delicious!
Source: Accordingly
