How to grow Blueberry (Rabbiteye)
in the US

Blueberries, especially the Rabbiteye type, are a cracking addition to any backyard. They're part of the Ericaceae family, and while they ask a little bit from you, the reward of those proper sweet berries is well worth the effort. It's a medium difficulty crop, but honestly, with a bit of care, anyone can get a good harvest.

Sowing

Starting blueberries from seed is a proper long game, like 730 days to harvest, so most folks prefer to get young plants or bushes. If you're going from seed, sow them indoors in March or April, depending on your USDA zone and last frost date. For zones 3-7, April-May is a good start, expanding into September-October for zones 4-7, and even earlier in zones 8-10 from January to November. Plant seeds shallow, just covering them with a thin layer of acidic compost, and keep them warm and moist. They'll need a good few weeks to get going, you know what I mean.

Growing on

Once your seedlings are big enough to handle, or if you've bought young plants, it's time to get them ready. Blueberries love acidic soil, so make sure your potting mix or ground has a low pH. Harden them off gradually by taking them outside for a few hours a day, increasing the time over a week or two. Plant them out after all danger of frost has passed, usually in spring for most zones, but autumn planting works in warmer zones. Give them plenty of space, about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) apart, in a sunny spot. They do well in large containers too, if your soil isn't quite right.

Looking after it

Blueberries are thirsty plants, especially when the fruits are setting, so keep the soil consistently moist. Rainwater is often better than tap water if yours is hard, as it helps maintain that acidic soil they crave. A good layer of pine needle or bark mulch around the base will keep weeds down and help hold moisture in. Feed them with an acidic fertilizer in early spring, just follow the instructions on the packet. Prune out any old or weak wood in late winter to encourage new growth and a better crop.

What goes wrong

To be honest, birds are probably the biggest nuisance; they love blueberries as much as we do. A bit of netting over your bushes when the berries start to ripen will save your crop. Keep an eye out for blueberry maggots and aphids too, and remove any berries showing signs of mummy berry. Companion plants like thyme or borage nearby can sometimes help deter pests, like I say, every little bit helps.

Harvest

You'll know your blueberries are ready when they're a proper deep blue and come off the bush easily with a gentle tug. Don't rush it; they sweeten up best on the plant. Harvest usually kicks off in June and can run right through August. Pick them carefully and store them in a cool, dry place. They'll keep for a good week in the fridge, or you can freeze them for later, which is cracking for pies and smoothies.