Taking Care of Blueberry Bushes in the Winter

Blueberries make a tasty, healthy snack.

Growing blueberries in your yard is a rewarding experience once your blueberries have ripened and are ready for harvest. You can eat them as a quick snack and make blueberry pie, jelly or even wine. Caring for blueberry bushes properly will ensure their continued production of fruit for you and your family. Taking care of them during the winter is essential to their continued growth and fruit production for the next growing season.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Organic mulch
• Burlap bag
• Twine

Instructions

1. Stop using fertilizer after the blueberry bush has ended its blooming period. Fertilizing promotes fall growth and can cause damage during the winter, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.

2. Remove any dead foliage in the fall to prevent diseases and possible pests during the winter. Prune back—before winter—all canes that could break because of the weight of snow.

3. Discontinue watering blueberry bushes after early September unless the soil is very dry.

4. Apply a layer of organic mulch such as pine needles or wood shavings. Mulching will keep the ground warm and protect the roots from the cold.

5. Cover the blueberry bush with a burlap bag tied with twine to prevent cold and snow damage. Remove the burlap in the spring.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Blueberries for Home Landscapes
• Hardy Gardening: How to Grow Blueberries
• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden