Expert: Courtney - 3/8/2004

Question
I am buying a home that has 3 blueberry plants. I know nothing about growing, maintaining, pests, pruining, harvesting these tasty fruits. Any help you can give me would be great.

Answer
Leanne,

Lucky you! I'm increasingly convinced that the blueberry is the gardening world's most perfect plant. They're interesting in all four seasons, they have few pest or disease problems, they grow prettily, and the fruit is so good for you!

I'm going to list several good Web pages below. Certainly check them out. However, the best thing you could do for your new berries is to call up your county extention office and find out what they have to say about blueberries in your area. Many Extention offices have a home gardening expert and publications on small fruits. They will have the best idea about caring for your particular plants.

That said, here is some good information to get you started:

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/fruit/blueberries.html
http://www.msue.msu.edu/fruit/bluberry.htm
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/90-046.htm
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/fruits/groblueb.htm
http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/l106-w.html#Highbush

Good luck!