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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Flash flooding washes through downtown Ashland ... New pups confirmed in OR-7's Rogue Pack ... Police Reports ... Flash flooding washes through downtown Ashland ... New pups confirmed in OR-7's Rogue Pack ... Police Reports ... Carol Link: Prime time for pruning blueberries approaches Comment By Carol Link The Gadsden Times DailyTidings.com By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 at 9:54 AM By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 at 9:54 AM » Social News Late February and early March is the proper time for pruning blueberry plants. Younger plants should be pruned differently than older plants. The first two years after planting, remove all the flowers that develop. Plants will grow larger and more vigorous if berries are not allowed to develop. The third year, do not remove the flowers, allowing the plants to produce fruit that will probably be small and sparse. Older blueberry plants produce best when they are maintenance-pruned each year. In late winter or early spring of the fourth year, while the plants remain dormant, begin pruning by opening the plant’s canopy to allow sunlight to reach the berries that form within the interior. Begin pruning by removing all dead, damaged or diseased branches. After that, in instances where two branches rub together or cross, remove the least viable of the branches. No further pruning is required. In subsequent years, perform maintenance or renewal pruning by thinning the plant and removing the older larger branches, which will encourage new growth. Remove the lower branches to keep them off the ground and make the fruit easier to harvest. Additionally, select one or two of the older thicker trunks, removing the wood at ground level. To retain the plants at a height that will make the upper berries easier to harvest, shorten any of the ungainly, longer branches that extend beyond the plant’s canopy and remove all weak thin branches. When pruning, keep in mind that older blueberry wood is gray and newer wood has a tinge of red. Berries form on the fruiting spurs that develop on linear branches. Flower buds are large, round and plump; leaf buds are thinner and pointed. After pruning, clean up any debris from around the plant and clear the area of weeds. Work a bit of compost or mulch into the soil around the plant and apply a layer of mulch, covering the ground around the plant, being careful to not pile the material up against the plant’s base. Mulching will help retain moisture, keep roots cooler and prevent weeds from propagating. While fruit is forming, the plant needs plenty of water. Water deeply at least once or twice each week. If birds are a problem in your area, prevent them from eating the berries by covering the plants loosely with cloth mesh. After berries begin ripening, harvest them each morning. Carol (Bonnie) Link is Master Gardener and an experienced garden writer from Etowah County, Ala. Send questions or comments to [email protected]. By Carol Link The Gadsden Times DailyTidings.com By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 at 9:54 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501