How Do I Winterize Blueberry Bushes?

Winterize blueberry bushes in late fall.

Cold protection for blueberry bushes is not a major concern unless the bushes are growing in large containers, where roots can reach the temperature of surrounding air. Blueberry bushes in the ground need nothing more than a layer of mulch or shredded leaves about 3 inches deep around the base to help keep root temperatures between 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Some species of highbush blueberries will live more than 50 years this way, and almost all blueberry cultivars require cold winters to be productive. Bushes in containers, however, need special care to make it through the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Unheated garage or shed
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Move blueberry bushes in containers to an unheated garage or shed when they go dormant in the fall. The walls of a building will shield the roots from windchill temperatures that can kill in some northern regions.

2. Drag the containers out on mild winter days so they can get occasional light, leaving them against a sheltering wall for protection from northern winds. Water once a month. Move them back into the shed if temperatures are forecast to go below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Check the blueberry bushes periodically. If you see new shoots developing, it's not cold enough and the bush is coming out of dormancy too early. Grab a shovel and drag the container-grown bushes back outdoors.

4. Dig a hole equal in diameter and depth to the container. Bury the container in the hole up to its lip. The surrounding soil will quickly cool the container to the outdoor soil temperature. Soil is a wonderful insulator and the blueberry bush will overwinter well.

5. Remove the container from the hole in spring after the last frost has passed and resume normal watering and fertilizing. Repot the blueberry bush in fresh soil every two to three years for the health of the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're moving a good number of container-grown blueberry bushes back and forth, invest in a hand truck to save your back.

• Do not plant highbush blueberries if your climate is subtropical. Try tabbiteye instead, which is well-adapted to warmer winters.

References

• University of Nebraska Lincoln: Growing Blueberries
• North Carolina State University: Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden
• Iowa State University: Growing Blueberries in Iowa

Resources

• University of Minnesota: Blueberries for Home Landscapes
• Washington State University: Growing Small Fruits for the Home Garden