Plant, Pick, and Bake: The Blueberry Guide

Choosing the proper Blueberry variety is key to the start of your blueberry bake off success - read on for our suggestions. 

1. Getting Started: Choosing the Right Blueberry Plants

Before you begin, you’ll need to decide what type of blueberries you want to grow. There are several excellent varieties to choose from, but for this guide, we’ll focus on two standout options: Chandler and Patriot.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Highbush Blueberries – These are the most common variety and are ideal for most climates. They produce large, sweet berries. Chandler and Patriot are both excellent highbush varieties.

  • Chandler: Known for its large, sweet berries, Chandler blueberries are perfect for those looking for an abundant harvest. They are one of the later varieties to ripen, often producing fruit in mid-summer. These berries are extra-large, making them perfect for pies and desserts.

  • Patriot: A very hardy variety that’s perfect for cooler climates. Patriot blueberries are known for their excellent flavor and compact growth. They ripen early in the season and are often the first to produce fruit. This variety is also known for being relatively easy to grow and maintain.

• Lowbush Blueberries – Smaller and more cold-hardy, lowbush blueberries are perfect for northern climates.

• Rabbiteye Blueberries – Best suited for warmer climates, these blueberries are tolerant of heat and drought but require cross-pollination for better fruit production.

If you’re a beginner, Chandler and Patriot highbush blueberries are great choices. They offer a combination of large fruit, ease of care, and resilience to various climates. They can even be grown in CONTAINERS and yield an excellent harvest.

2. Selecting the Ideal Planting Location

Blueberries thrive in areas with:

• Full Sun: Blueberries need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to grow well and produce sweet, plump berries.

• Well-Drained Soil: Blueberries don’t like wet feet. Choose a spot with well-draining soil. You can amend your soil by adding organic matter like compost to improve drainage.

• Acidic Soil: Blueberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. You can test your soil pH using a simple kit or send a sample to a local gardening center.

If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur or organic material like pine needles.

3. Planting Blueberries

Once you’ve chosen your blueberry variety and location, it’s time to plant. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Soil: Mix in organic matter such as compost or peat moss to make the soil acidic and well-drained.

2. Dig the Holes: Space your blueberry bushes about 18 to 24 inches apart for highbush varieties. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.

3. Plant Your Blueberries: Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole. Ensure that the crown (the top of the root ball) is level with the surrounding soil.

4. Watering: After planting, water the plants thoroughly to help them settle in. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging the plants.

4. Caring for Your Blueberries

Once your blueberry plants are in the ground, regular care is essential for healthy growth. Here’s what you need to do:

Watering:

Blueberries have shallow roots and need consistent moisture. Water them regularly, especially during hot weather. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are great options as they help keep the soil moist without wetting the foliage.

Mulching:

Mulch your blueberries with a 2-3 inch layer of pine bark, wood chips, or sawdust. This helps retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and suppresses weeds.

Fertilizing:

Blueberries need specific nutrients. Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants (like those for azaleas or rhododendrons). Apply fertilizer in the spring when the new growth begins, and again in late summer.

Pruning:

Prune your blueberry bushes in early spring, before new growth appears. Remove dead or damaged branches, and thin out some of the older wood to encourage fresh growth. Pruning also helps shape the bush, keeping it manageable and productive.

5. Harvesting Your Blueberries

Blueberries typically start bearing fruit in 2-3 years if you’ve planted healthy bushes. However, some varieties may take a little longer to fully mature. Here are some tips on harvesting:

• Timing: Blueberries ripen over a period of several weeks, so you’ll need to pick them in stages. Wait until they are fully blue and slightly soft to the touch. Unripe berries will be green and firm.

• Pick Gently: Blueberries are delicate, so pick them carefully by hand. Avoid squishing them, and place them gently into baskets or containers.

• Freezing: If you have a bountiful harvest, you can freeze blueberries for later use. Simply spread the berries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the berries into a sealed bag or container.

6. Making Blueberry Pie from Your Freshly Harvested Berries

Now that you have fresh blueberries, let’s make a classic blueberry pie! Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade blueberry pie using your garden-fresh blueberries.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh blueberries (or frozen if you're saving them for later)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 package of pie crusts (or homemade, if preferred)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you're using a store-bought pie crust, roll it out into a 9-inch pie dish. If you're using homemade crust, make sure to line the pie dish with your crust.

2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir gently until the berries are well coated.

3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the blueberry mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Roll out the top crust and place it over the berries. Trim the excess crust and crimp the edges together. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

4. Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pie crust. Sprinkle with a little sugar to create a golden finish.

5. Bake: Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the crust—if it starts to get too dark, cover the edges with foil.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

7. Enjoying Your Homemade Blueberry Pie

There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own blueberries and turning them into a homemade pie. The sweetness of the fresh berries, combined with the buttery, flaky crust, makes for a delightful treat. Whether you're enjoying a slice by yourself or sharing it with loved ones, a homemade blueberry pie is always a hit!