Blueberries have become very popular as a garden fruit in recent years, as they provide a high yield of delicious fruit in a small space. However, they are also affected by certain diseases.

In the event of problems, first check the location and maintenance

Due to a lack of information, serious mistakes are often made when planting blueberries in the garden, which then have a massive impact on the health and yield of the plants. Most garden soils in this country are rather loamy and rich in lime. However, the cultivated blueberries from North America also need a rather acidic and low-lime soil of a loose consistency with a pH value between 4.0 and 5.0 in order to thrive healthily. At the planned location for the cultivation of blueberries, an unsuitable substrate must first be replaced over a large area with special azalea and rhododendron soil. If this does not happen, it can lead to stunted growth and possibly even complete dying of the blueberry plants. If this is not possible, a culture in a pot is sometimes the better choice.

Frost moth as the only real threat to blueberries

Basically, blueberries are one of the fruit trees least susceptible to diseases in the garden. Nevertheless, buds can dry out and fall off, which can be visually recognized by white webs. This is the work of the winter moth, which can do more damage in dense stands if it spreads unchecked. A gentle care cut and sufficient planting distance between the rows are suitable for preventing the winter moth. Affected areas should be cut out quickly and checked again regularly.

Rot caused by waterlogging

The cultivated blueberries bred for cultivation in the garden thrive best in full sun. The plants should be adequately watered, especially just before the harvest season in July and August, but waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. If the plants are too dense and shady, the combination with waterlogging can lead to a problem of rot. Countermeasures help:

  • the loosening of the soil
  • controlled watering
  • the pruning of neighboring trees for more sunshine and better wind ventilation

tips and tricks

The yield of blueberries in the garden can also be reduced by fruit thieves in the form of birds. However, these can be dealt with relatively easily and inexpensively with bird nets stretched over the bushes.

Category:

Vegetable garden