Mulch for Blueberry Bushes
Blueberry bushes are a good choice if you want to add fruit to your home garden. They don't take up as much room as fruit trees and some other berry bushes, and they can be grown in many areas provided the necessary soil conditions are met. When used properly, an application of mulch around your blueberry bushes can benefit your plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits of Mulching
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A layer of mulch around blueberry bushes provides several benefits that will make them thrive. First, it typically results in better growth and survival rates for the bushes, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service reports. Mulch also helps maintain a consistent moisture level in the surrounding soil and discourages and prevents weeds from growing in the garden bed. Finally, the organic matter that becomes incorporated in the soil as the mulch decomposes improves the soil quality and makes nutrients more readily available, the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Department reports.
Mulching Materials
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Several mulching materials will benefit blueberry bushes. Recommended materials include straw, leaves, sawdust, wood chips and bark, the Michigan State University Extension suggests. However, if you choose bark, wood chips or sawdust, wait until the mulch becomes weathered. Fresh mulch can actually damage the leaves and root structure on the bushes.
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How to Mulch
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Once you decide what to use as mulch for your blueberry bushes, the process requires just a little time and effort. Simply pile mulch around the plant until it reaches a height between 3 inches and 4 inches, the University of Rhode Island recommends. Keep an eye on the mulch levels from season to season and add more to maintain a level of between 2 inches and 4 inches.
Implications on Fertilization
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If you mulch your blueberry bushes, you will need to take this into consideration when it comes time to apply fertilizer. Because the mulch blocks the fertilizer's access to the soil and roots, you may need to use as much as two times to three times more fertilizer than the manufacturer calls for, the Michigan State University Extension advises. Once the mulch decomposes, you can use only the recommended amount of fertilizer.
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References
- Photo Credit Blueberry image by Stana from Fotolia.com
