We are still pruning the blueberry bushes, although now we have moved on to “Stage 2″. ”Stage 1″ was removing dead ends or diseased branches. Now we are thinning the buds (which will later become luscious clumps of blueberries) and shaping the bush.
The goal is to remove enough buds now so that the bush will not overbear this summer. Overbearing this year will tend to make the bush less productive next year.
Also, we want to shape the bush by cutting off any low-lying branches that may drag on the ground or be hard to pick when laden with ripe blues.
This is an example of a diseased branch, most of which we removed during “Stage 1″.
This is a nice, healthy bud.
For pruning, we use 3 simple tools. #1, a sturdy pair of pruners.
#2, a small spray-bottle of alcohol for sanitizing pruner blades. After cutting a diseased branch, it is best to spray with alcohol to prevent spreading the disease to another branch or bush.
#3, a 5-gallon bucket in which to place removed branches and twigs as you move down the row. Some people prefer to leave the cuttings on the ground and pick them up later, but for us, keeping them in a bucket as you go is more efficient.
I have a question is there anything that blueberry branches are good for right know we just take and mulch them up and use them to fill the low spots in the yard just wondering if there is any thing special they can be used for we usually have about nine yards of bluberry branch mulch by the end of the pruning season. thanks
Roy,
I just burn them because I have had problems with stem blight and don’t want them around to potentially spread disease. Sorry, I can’t help you much with your question. I suppose there probably is something medicinally good about them that science will tell us about one of these days and they we will think back to all the benefits we could have had from all those canes we ground up or burned.
Blueberry Bob
Hello Price Family,
I know we haven’t written in awhile so better late than never! I love the detailed post about pruning the blueberry bushes – very interesting! Good job on the photography as well! We think of you often and pray that the Lord will bless your family and your farm. We are still working our way through our frozen blueberries from last year’s picking time (we go to a self-pick farm a few hours north of us).
Many Blessings.
Bret, Sandy, Leanne, & Matthew
Hi Bryan Family! It’s good to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed the pruning post–that was Abriana’s work. It will be great to have fresh blueberries again won’t it…we’re looking forward to them also! We’re hoping to get more than 6 pounds in our freezer this year, Lord willing.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
~Karise for the Prices