It also slows the decomposition process of plant materials so they do not rot easily. Fertiliser. Blueberry bushes make excellent additions to the edible landscape, as they are both attractive in form and provide nutritious summer fruit. It is better to underfertilize than overfertilize, but 1 ounce of fertilizer spread evenly around each new plant is good practice in most soil types. Log in. November 19, 2018 at 06:01 Use enough shredded leaves to bring the depth of mulch to 2 to 2 1/2 inches. Then, add 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of mulch to the planting side. This type of plant has a slightly acidic nature and will help maintain the acidic soil for the blueberries. Many gardeners, especially those with abundant access to leaves, will have use for all three leaf products: compost, mold and mulch. Whole leaves used as a mulch do not allow rain water to seep through as effectively as shredded leaves. Why Mulching Your Blueberries Is Important…. It is absolutely vital for them because mulch helps acidify the soil, control weeds, conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature- factors all responsible for healthy growth. Continual addition of compost and mulch will generally supply their needs. It is important to replenish mulch as it deteriorates. Live oaks are classified as evergreens because they hold onto their leaves all winter long…but come springtime, keep your eyes peeled! Thicker layers of mulch in wet or clay soil can have a negative effect, keeping soil waterlogged. In cold regions, the blossom may need to be protected from a late frost with horticultural fleece or old fabric. Highbush blueberries can reach 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft) in height and half-high about 0.5-1.2m (20in-4ft). Create Mulch . A mulch is very beneficial to Blueberries as it conserves moisture, ensuring extra-plump berries and maki ng sure the bushes don’t become too stressed. Spread mulch 2 to 3 feet around individual blueberry bushes, or mulch the entire row, extending mulch out past the drip line to provide a root run as the plant grows. This is the best time because it is usually when the plants start to grow and germinate. Fertilize your blueberry bushes using your preferred organic or chemical fertilizer in the spring to make it easier for fertilizer to get into the root zone of your bushes. You do have to replenish leaf mulch more often than an inorganic mulch. Rabbiteye blueberries are a non-climacteric fruit and should be allowed to ripen on the bush. Mulch blueberries with a 15-20cm mulch of bark, acid compost, or sawdust over the roots to conserve moisture, prevent weeds and over time increase the soil organic matter. For older plants, early spring is the time of year when you need to apply the mulch. The moisture remains long after it rains, and my worm population is thriving. After you shred the leaves, they can be used as an organic mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens, around trees and shrubs, and in containers.Simply apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of shredded leaves to the beds, keeping the mulch from directly touching the stems and trunks of … Using leaf litter for mulch is an easy way to recycle the debris in your yard. While blueberries are self-fertile, having 2 varieties will give better pollination and larger, earlier fruit. Blueberry bushes make excellent additions to the edible landscape, as they are both attractive in form and provide nutritious summer fruit. Autumn maple and oak leaves are not just enjoyable for their fall colors; they’re also an effective -- and free -- source of nutrients for grass and plants. Proper mulching of the blueberry shrubs will … Water immediately after planting. When planting, space highbush cultivars with 1-1.5m (3¼ft-5ft) all round and half-highs with about 1m (3¼ft) all round. 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