To grow semi-tall blueberries (Vaccinium x atlanticum) in your home garden, you should choose a warm and sunny spot that is protected from cold winds. In winter, the wind should not blow the snow away. A low and wet spot is also not suitable, because blueberries cannot tolerate excess moisture. If planted in the shade, blueberries will bloom less and the berries will not be as sweet. The best soil is humus-rich, airy and definitely acidic. The most suitable soil reaction is 4-5.5 pH. Proper fruiting is ensured by growing several different bushes together. The distance between low-growing bushes should be 60 cm, and 100 cm for semi-tall ones. When choosing plants, you should prefer material grown in Estonia and already accustomed to local conditions.
Depending on the situation, the soil can be made acceptable for blueberries. In case of heavy clay soil, at least 10 l of peat moss is used for each plant. In case of soil that is too alkaline, but sufficiently airy and light, the soil can be made more acidic with sulfur, mixing it into a 30 cm deep layer of soil at least 3 weeks before planting. It is useful to add either pine needles or composted tree leaves to the planting hole - this helps maintain the appropriate acidity and provides a long-term source of humus for necessary nutrients, as well as helping to aerate the soil and retain moisture.
The blueberry should be planted a little deeper than it was growing in the pot and pressed down firmly to prevent frost heaving. Immediately after planting, mulch the soil with a suitable organic material. Pine needles, sawdust, wood chips, bark chips or peat are good options. You can add more mulch every spring.
It is best to use rainwater or, if possible, river or lake water for watering. However, if this is not possible, add a spoonful of vinegar to the hard water. Post-planting care mainly consists of watering once a week.
The best fertilizer for fertilizing is a water-soluble special blueberry fertilizer or another organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants. No more fertilizer should be applied after the end of June, as this will prevent the branches from becoming woody, significantly reducing winter hardiness.
Cutting
Blueberries do not need pruning for the first three years after planting. Only branches damaged during the winter are pruned out. Later, to get a good harvest, narrow-leaved blueberries are pruned to the ground every two to three years in the spring. However, to still get a harvest every year, you can do this by pruning only half of the bush at a time and the other half the following year.
On semi-tall blueberries and stump blueberries, branches over 6 years old that are no longer as productive are cut out for rejuvenation. Also, weak branches that grow too densely, are damaged in winter, and grow close to the ground are removed.
Varieties of semi-tall blueberry (Vaccinium x atlanticum) suitable for growing in Estonia
'Northland'
'Northblue'
'Northcountry'
'Polaris'
'Patriot'
'Crush'
'Reka'