Organic Practices on the Blueberry Bushes
We use organic practices managing the blueberry bushes. Our berries are safe to eat off the bush and we recommend that you do not wash them before eating or freezing. Washing the berry disturbs the surface and starts the process of sweetening - and there's nothing that needs to be washed off before eating! More info on organic practices .....
Fertilizer: We use organic Fertilome fertilizers to feed the Blueberry bushes. We apply fertilizer 1-2 times in the spring but its not applied after the bush flowers - usually 6-8 weeks before picking. Starting in 2021 we also apply a variety of elemental nutrients including magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, etc. to the bushes prior to the fruit bearing period. All of these elements are certified organic and are applied in a manner to maintain healthy bushes.
Fungicide: We use Neem oil to protect the blueberry plants from fungus. Fungus is a common killer of blueberry bushes and needs to be carefully managed. We apply Neem oil a few times per year but not after the plant flowers. We usually reapply after the picking season. Neem oil is ok to spray on fruit as its picked as its a completely natural extract - but we don't spray anything after the bush flowers - usually 6-8 weeks before picking.
Weed Control: We manage the weeds on the blueberry berms the old fashioned way (by hand) with a twist - we sometimes spray 20% vinegar to kill weeds. Its all-natural and an effective method if the weather cooperates (rare). Vinegar is applied to the mulch below the bush and actually helps manage the low ph we desire.
Cedar Mulch: We mulch our Blueberry berms with cedar mulch for a variety of reasons - weed control, soil moisture retention, bug repellent, and fungus control. It's an all-natural friend to the Blueberry bush and picker!
We use organic practices managing the blueberry bushes. Our berries are safe to eat off the bush and we recommend that you do not wash them before eating or freezing. Washing the berry disturbs the surface and starts the process of sweetening - and there's nothing that needs to be washed off before eating! More info on organic practices .....
Fertilizer: We use organic Fertilome fertilizers to feed the Blueberry bushes. We apply fertilizer 1-2 times in the spring but its not applied after the bush flowers - usually 6-8 weeks before picking. Starting in 2021 we also apply a variety of elemental nutrients including magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, etc. to the bushes prior to the fruit bearing period. All of these elements are certified organic and are applied in a manner to maintain healthy bushes.
Fungicide: We use Neem oil to protect the blueberry plants from fungus. Fungus is a common killer of blueberry bushes and needs to be carefully managed. We apply Neem oil a few times per year but not after the plant flowers. We usually reapply after the picking season. Neem oil is ok to spray on fruit as its picked as its a completely natural extract - but we don't spray anything after the bush flowers - usually 6-8 weeks before picking.
Weed Control: We manage the weeds on the blueberry berms the old fashioned way (by hand) with a twist - we sometimes spray 20% vinegar to kill weeds. Its all-natural and an effective method if the weather cooperates (rare). Vinegar is applied to the mulch below the bush and actually helps manage the low ph we desire.
Cedar Mulch: We mulch our Blueberry berms with cedar mulch for a variety of reasons - weed control, soil moisture retention, bug repellent, and fungus control. It's an all-natural friend to the Blueberry bush and picker!