July 8 is National Blueberry Day: How to grow blueberries in Placer County

Did you know July 8 is National Blueberry Day? It's a perfect time to celebrate this healthy, delicious fruit. July is National Blueberry Month, when berries are ripening across Placer County – from the hot valleys of Roseville to the cooler foothills above Auburn. If you've ever thought about growing your own fresh blueberries, you'll be glad to hear they can thrive here with a little preparation. I spoke with Talei Mistron, a Nevada County Master Gardener who grows blueberries at 1,400 feet elevation in Zone 9b – similar to Applegate. She assures, "They are honestly one of the easiest things I grow. You can put them in pots, raised beds or straight into the ground." Choosing the right variety Blueberries need a certain number of chill hours in winter to set fruit. For our region, Southern Highbush varieties are best. Mistron grows Misty, Vaccinium corymbosum 'Misty,' a hybrid that can stay evergreen in mild winters, and Jelly Bean, Vaccinium corymbosum 'ZF06-179,' a compact plant in the Bushel and Berry® series. Look up what works best for your specific zone. You can find plants ideal for your location at your preferred local plant or bare root supplier. See the list in the reference provided below. If you're short on space, look for dwarf types like Jelly Bean, which are great for containers. "They look small but produce loads of berries," Mistron says. Soil matters Blueberries need acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. In Placer County, soils may be slightly acidic to neutral, so amending is necessary. Mistron mixes potting soil with raised bed mix for her containers and adds an all-natural acid fertilizer designed for blueberries, azaleas and camellias. If planting in the ground, you may need to lower the pH months ahead by adding elemental sulfur. Acidic soil helps the plants absorb nutrients and stay healthy. Planting and care Most gardeners start with bare root plants rather than seeds. Plant bare root blueberries in winter or early spring. Or you can buy container plants which are available year round and you can plant in fall to get a spring crop. Container-grown plants outperform and have a higher survival rate than bare root plants. Bare root is, however, less expensive. Don't expect much fruit the first year; plants need time to establish their root systems. Most Southern Highbush blueberries are self-pollinating, but generally produce larger and more abundant fruit when cross-pollinated with another compatible variety. Watering and feeding During hot weather, regular watering is essential. "I water every other day," Mistron explains. "Their roots are shallow and spread out." If plants dry out too much, leaves can scorch. Blueberry plants generally need two inches per week in July when they are transpiring – losing moisture through their leaves – the most and 1.5 inches in May, June and September. This can vary based on age, weather and soil type. Young plants in warmer climates may need more frequent watering, even daily, especially during fruit development. Fertilize before they bloom in spring, again while the fruit is developing, and once more in fall. Mistron tops off her pots each winter with fresh acidic soil, which acts like mulch and helps maintain pH. It's important though not to put soil around the crown. Pests and protection Birds love ripe blueberries as much as people do, so consider netting to protect your crop. Squirrels and raccoons may also visit, especially if plants are near the ground. Mistron keeps hers on a deck, which helps deter these critters. A rewarding crop Whether you have a big garden or a sunny patio, blueberries can fit your space. As Mistron says, "There's nothing better than grabbing a handful fresh off the plant to put on your morning yogurt." With a little care and planning, you can enjoy fresh blueberries every summer – and maybe even enough for jam. So, put a reminder in your calendar to buy a bare root blueberry next fall or look for container grown plants all year round. Want to learn more? Visit ucanr.edu and search "Growing Blueberries," or for comprehensive information: http://bit.ly/3Ij1tA9 UC ANR is an equal-opportunity provider and employer. The UC Master Gardener mission is to extend research-based knowledge on home horticulture, pest management and sustainable landscape practices to residents of California.