skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Blueberry Bushes (keep existing or get new ones)

14 years ago

I planted 3 blueberry bushes approx 3 years ago but unfortunately each year the rabbits got through my fence and chewed them down to the ground and I have yet to get even 1 berry from them.

This coming summer I plan on installing a much better fence and was wondering if I should keep my existing 3 plants that probably have a good root system or should I pick up some new bushes that are larger in size since they've never been chewed back?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
14 years ago
Shane: I'd definitely keep the existing plants. With protection they should grow rapidly and bear soon, like probably 2011. New plants are unlikely to bear sooner or be larger in a couple years. Plus this is cheaper.

The Fruitnut
mr.ed
14 years ago
Most rabbit damage is winter damage, if you wait till spring it will set you back another year. I have too many to fence so I make a hoop out of chicken wire and anchor it with tent stakes.

But I would keep the existing plants. Yes they should have a great root system built up by now.

Best of luck
Related Discussions
How do I get more leaves on blueberry bushes?
Q
Comments (31)
Glad our advice worked out for you. One of my plants, a Bluecrop which grew well last year, produced lots of berries this year, but very little foliage and almost zero growth. Since I have other plants that more then doubled in size this year and should bear well next year, I will remove all flowers from that Bluecrop and expect that it will grow vegetatively next year. This is something you can do at any time in a blueberries life to spur new growth. On most blueberries, you can spur growth also by pruning canes, but in the case of my Bluecrop, it is tall with few canes and branches, this is the best method to get it to bush out.
...See More
New blueberry bush...needs?
Q
Comments (4)
Blueberries like rich, well-drained soil that is acidic. If you treat them like a rhododendron, the usually do well. Oak bark mulch, pine straw, peat moss,composted horse manure...I have used all of these at one time or another. Iron and sulfur can also be used around blueberries in the cool wet seasons. They like the iron and the sulfur acidifies the soil. A good layer of mulch on top of the soil is helpful with water retention in the root area. Just do NOT pile mulch up around the base of the trunk(s). IF you have to grow it in a pot, recognize that the roots will be hotter (and no doubt dryer) than they would prefer to be. Pots dry out quickly. Do NOT set the pot on a sunny patio (it will bake). Pots also freeze and thaw easily which will cause winter damage as the plant will often start budding on a warm winter day if left outside in the pot. Then WHAM, back to winter. Best to put the entire pot into the ground for the winter if you MUST leave it in the pot. All things being equal, it'd be best to plant it somewhere...
...See More
Blueberry Bush Division/Blueberry Bush wound treatment
Q
Comments (3)
What you are suggesting I have tried on other single stem plants, but was not successful. If it were possible to split the stem, or trunk down through the roots so each half would have some of the crown AND some roots you might do it, but I don't think it is possible with the plants you have. I also do not think any dressing or sealing material would help. Al
...See More
Is it too late to prune new blueberry bushes in mid June?
Q
Comments (2)
Here are few blueberry experts advice and discussions on blueberry pruning that might interests you to finalize your plan.... http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1475683/how-to-prune-shb-blueberries-after-fruiting?n=3 http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1491547/should-i-prune-these-blueberry-bushes-pics?n=13 http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1462188/prune-bareroot-blueberry-immediately-after-planting?n=12
...See More
mr.ed
14 years ago
BtwÂ.. Do not use a light gauge chicken wire or hardware cloth they can push under. The thicker the better.

http://www.academyfence.com/hardwirecloth.html#1/4x23gauge

And dried blood or hot pepper seeds sprinkled around also help.
shane_c
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks everyone! I will stick with the ones I have.

In my case the rabbits wait until the leaves are out and there are a few white berries, then they break in and eat them to the ground.
athenainwi
14 years ago
I'm having the same problem. I decided to order new bushes and put them next to my other bushes and cage the whole area. At least they can't get to them now, the whole area is covered in two feet of snow.
ericwi
14 years ago
We have a problem with rabbits, also. They really go after new plantings, shrubs that are only a year old. On older established shrubs, they go after the new growth, mainly. I tried spraying with "bitter apple" solution, & that helped, but it was not completely effective. The next step is to spray with hot pepper solution.
ramble
14 years ago
I got plastic 3 ft. x 15 ft. fencing from Home Depot. Comes in a roll. I cut it to 1 1/2 ft. high stips and anchored it with metal Home Depot things that look like croquet hoops. All it took was 1 1/2 ft. high barrier and rabbits have not bothered my blueberries.

I also had luck with wrapping the plastic bird netting around the base of the bushes to keep the rabbits away. I hear aluminum foil also works well.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Grow Blueberries for Their Fruit and More

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Eastern gardeners should consider growing blueberry plants for their delicious fruits, bee-friendly spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crop: How to Grow Blueberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant blueberries in spring or fall for garden beauty through three seasons — and a sweet superfood in summer

CONTAINER GARDENS Patio-Perfect Berry Bushes Like You’ve Never Seen

Small enough for pots but offering abundant fruit, these remarkable bred berries are a boon for gardeners short on space

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden

LIFE How to Get Along With the Neighbors — and Live Happier at Home

By Laura Gaskill

Everyone wins when neighbors treat one another with kindness, consideration and respect

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Valentine Bush for Heartfelt Winter Color

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Passionate red flowers from winter through spring add gorgeous color to bare Southwest landscapes

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

LIFE 10 Ways to Honor and Remember a Departed Loved One at Home

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Help the grieving process and keep beautiful memories alive with these thoughtful tributes

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Steps to Get a Garden Off to a Glowing Start

Grow a lush, balanced garden from an empty patch of yard or neglected landscape spot with these easy-to-follow guidelines

FARM YOUR YARD If You Have Room for Only One Summer Crop ...

Get an edible that’s long on flavor even if you’re short on space, with a long-time gardener’s favorite picks

Sponsored

More Discussions

what is wrong with my indoor mango????

13

Advice on planting blueberry plant

9

Peach trees need help!

1

Peach tree dead buds

2

beginning fruit or new leaves

6