Blueberries are exceptionally handsome bushes worthy of planting in the home landscape. They produce a profusion of white blossoms in late spring. Leaves are glossy green in summer, with outstanding red color in autumn. The fruit can be eaten fresh or frozen for later use.

Blueberries present a challenge for most gardeners because they require acidic, well-drained soils. The pH should be between 4.0 and 5.0. This is uncommon in much of Minnesota, but most soils here may be amended to grow blueberries in the home garden or landscape.

Blueberry plants are long-lived, so time and effort spent preparing the soil before planting is a wise investment. Preparation involves adding peat moss to the soil, along with an acidifying compound such as garden sulfur or iron sulfate. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will need to be acidified in stages. Contact your local Extension office for specific details.

The University of Minnesota fruit breeding program has released several blueberry cultivars suitable for growing here. They include:

• Northblue
• Northcountry
• Northsky
• Northland
• St. Cloud
• Chippewa
• Polaris.

These plants are usually winter-hardy in USDA zones 3 and 4. Winter protection may be needed to prevent injury from wind and sunscald when planted in exposed sites.

Blueberries are very attractive to birds. You might need to cover them with netting as fruit ripens. However, insects and diseases are not likely to cause problems with most plantings.

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