Home Gardener Blueberry Spray Guide
Many people think that keeping your blueberry plants organic means not doing anything to them. When this happens generally they are not going to be very healthy. Thankfully there are many organic things you can do for your blueberry bushes that will help them to have the health and strong immune system to provide you and your family with delicious blueberries! Here are some organic inputs that you can use to help your blueberry bush thrive! As you care for your blueberry bushes there are three things you need to consider. Fertilizer, fungicide, and insecticide. Here below is what and when we recommend spraying your blueberry bushes as a home gardener. We are not held liable if you use these products and your plants do not survive.
Fertilizer– There are three types of Fertilizer that we recommend you can use as a home gardener. The first product is a granular organic product from the Fertrell Company. It is called Berry Mix. It is best to use this in the spring when your blueberry bush is just starting to leaf out. This is usually around the end of February to the end of March depending on your area. Always look to the bag for directions, but generally you apply 4 to 6 ounces. The other organic granular product that blueberries need is Holy Care. This is also an organic product from Fertrell. It is specifically for acid loving plants like blueberry plants. It is best to use after all the berries have fallen off the plant. So it is typically applied around August-September depending on your area. Always look to the bag for directions, but generally you apply 4-6 ounces per plant.
The other product is a organic foliar spray. It is also from the Fertrell Company and is is called Liquid #3 2-3-1. It is fishbased, with seeweed, kelp, humates, and other natural ingredients. It is important to use along with the granulars as it helps break down the granular fertilizer as well as feed the blueberry bush. This can be used as soon as the blueberry bush leaves start to come out. Then it can be used every seven days until fall time. In our region we usually use it until September or through September. Always look to the bottle for directions, but generally it is 1 1/2 ounces per gallon of water.
Fungicide– Many times if you keep a good fertilizing schedule and your plants are spaced apart nicely you will not have to worry about fungicide with blueberries. However, if you live in a humid climate, or if you have had a lot of rain you can still battle with Fungus. Regalia is a great organic fungicide that we use often. It can be a great preventative product. As a home gardener if you used this once a month or so it should help greatly in fighting against disease. This is not a cheap product, but we have found that neem oil and other cheaper organic alternatives do not work well. It can also be used in the garden, with fruit trees, and with many other berry plants.
Insecticide– Insecticides should only be used as needed. Generally we have found that blueberry plants are not often bothered with insects. However, if you do find yourself battling with insects or aphids there is a dormant oil product called Pure Spray Green. We like it because we have several bee hives and do not like products that could harm the bees. Since this is a dormant oil it should be sprayed while plants are dormant and the bees are not buzzing around. Generally this should be applied in late February before things begin to come alive. It is important NOT to use it within 14 days of applying sulfur. This is supposed to kill larvae and prevent harmful insects from harming your blueberry bushes.
Well there are three things the home gardener can do to help your blueberry plants to grow and thrive! I hope this is helpful to your growing adventure!