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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories City may aid homeless program Stalking the elusive fisher 'Big Data Revolution' discussed at Tap House Talks 10 things to know for Tuesday Since You Asked: Styrofoam ban raises questions Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency Services, Feb. 17 Emergency services, Feb. 16 Medford porch fire appears intentional, investigators say Emergency services, Feb. 15 Emergency services, Feb. 14 Politics and Elections Gov. Kitzhaber steps down, federal investigation begins Gov. Kitzhaber announces resignation Successor Kate Brown must run for election in 2016 Community leaders saddened by governor's departure Read Gov. John Kitzhaber's statement on his resignation Education A question of punishment Logos to receive a slice of Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park Medford School Board OKs full-day kindergarten Former superintendent sues district, board member Sharing black culture Environment Coho salmon road trip Mt. Ashland Ski Area celebrates snow Company fined for illegally dumping asbestos in White City Solar pavilion going up at Coyote Trails GMO opponents can join Jackson County in defending ban State News Oregon Senate advances low-carbon fuel law Brown says inauguration speech will focus on restoring trust in government Oregon chub first fish to be officially taken off endangered list Day of transition in Oregon Legislature as Kitzhaber's exit nears Federal investigation of Kitzhaber to focus on potential financial crimes Nation - World Obituaries Lynn Ann Latham McCoy Lane Itol A. 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Virginia squeaks by Kansas, 62-61 Senior's swan song Afengus, Champion to coach soccer, women's wrestling Harrison, Hendrix homer in OSU loss Raiders end trip with losses at Chico Pro Sports Pitchers, catchers will report this week Questions surround top quarterback prospects Teams mull options as trade deadline nears Blazers content at the halfway point West Side Story Community Sports Local Events Business Latest Stories Blog: An empire built on a plastic-block foundation Ride & Drive: 2015 Nissan GT-R Oregon Retina Specialists will expand into new building Blog: Once Upon A Valentine's Day Medford airport flies past January record Real Estate News Housing prices climb 9 percent in Jackson County Big plans on the Butte Homes for the long haul New owners of Medford Center promise a hands-on approach: People In Business People in Business Transportation Medford airport flies past January record The heart of Brammo will remain Want to be an investor? Four companies will be pitching their plan to you Agriculture 1-800-Flowers dumps Harry & David execs Nine companies pitch investment opportunities in Medford Darigold to shutter Medford plant, putting 29 out of work Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, Feb. 17 Our View: Independent Party of Oregon faces obstacles Michael Gerson: A call for 'patient pluralism' Landgren cartoon: Snow trouble Landgren cartoon: 50 shades of white Editorials Our View: Independent Party of Oregon faces obstacles Our View: A sad end to a historic career Our View: Time to end the vaccine exemption Our View: Hemp hemp, hooray — old crop is new again Our View: Maintaining a major community asset Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Feb. 17 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 16 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 15 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 13 Letters to the Editor, Feb. 12 Columns Michael Gerson: A call for 'patient pluralism' Kathleen Parker: No excuse for juicing the story Dana Milbank: Remembering the remarkable Kayla Mueller George Will: Curb your pessimism about terrorism Charles Krauthammer: Crusaders and appeasers Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Weed killers should not be sprayed on streams, homes Guest Opinion: Understanding Wes Cooley Guest Opinion: Smokers: Quit before this happens to you Guest Opinion: Our public school system is a stew pot of clashing ingredients Guest Opinion: How long will we look the other way? Lifestyle Latest stories Carol Link: Prime time for pruning blueberries approaches In Good Faith: Lent Madness 2015: Who will win the Golden Halo? Community blog: It's time to lavish love on heart-healthy lentils 9 new cookbooks prove Southern cooking never goes out of style Food for Thought: Say yes to soy Food Community blog: It's time to lavish love on heart-healthy lentils 9 new cookbooks prove Southern cooking never goes out of style Food for Thought: Say yes to soy Prudence Hilburn: Warm up for winter with soup, chili Kitchen Call: Let winter citrus brighten your meals Home and Garden Carol Link: Prime time for pruning blueberries approaches Home Help: DIY home upkeep projects for every season Now’s a good time to plant a tree Repair or replace your garage door panel? Dear Monty: Hot markets change agent behavior Health Community blog: Your Brain on Love Health Watch: The rise of wearable fitness tech Community blog: Are You Losing or Gaining on Your Investment in Health? Community blog: Simple Solutions Health Watch: Simple swaps for a healthy lifestyle Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs: Friday, Feb. 13 RELIGION BRIEFS, Feb. 6 Religion News: Church of England consecrates first female bishop Religion briefs Religion briefs, Jan. 23 Milestones and Achievements New arrivals: Sunday, Feb. 8 Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Blues Jam at The Little Brown Jug Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra 'Broadway's Next Hit Musical' SOU presents 'The Glass Menagerie' Soo Rah Korean Cuisine Theater SOU presents 'The Glass Menagerie' Le Cirque presents 'City Walk' 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' 'Dames at Sea' opens at Oregon Cabaret Theatre Camelot presents Playwright Richard Manley's 'A Question of Words' Music Blues Jam at The Little Brown Jug Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra 'Broadway's Next Hit Musical' Live Music in Local Clubs Roy Zimmerman's 'The Faucet's on Fire" Community Events Southern Oregon Rod and Custom Show Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jacksonville celebrates Chinese New Year Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Dining The zwickels shall flow Soo Rah Korean Cuisine Stylish shareables are the feature at Brickroom Sandwiches and burgers are hits at The Rogue Chef The Vine offers a taste of Italy Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW City may aid homeless program ... Get Up & Go: Tuesday, Feb. 17 ... Our View: Independent Party of Oregon faces obstacles ... City may aid homeless program ... Get Up & Go: Tuesday, Feb. 17 ... Our View: Independent Party of Oregon faces obstacles ... Carol Link: Prime time for pruning blueberries approaches Comment By Carol Link The Gadsden Times MailTribune.com By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 @ 9:53 am By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 @ 9:53 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 MailTribune.com By Carol Link The Gadsden Times Posted Feb. 17, 2015 @ 9:53 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. calendar Connect with MailTribune.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 Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs 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. 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