Growing Backyard Blueberries

Blueberries are great backyard fruit and ornamental plants. In addition to their healthy berries they have attractive flowers and brilliant red fall foliage. Since the rabbiteye blueberry is native to the Southeastern United States it is an easy plant to grow. With a little care these plants can produce 12 to 25 pounds of berries per plant. They have few diseases and insect pests, need little fertilizer and are one of the easiest fruits to grow organically.

To learn more about Growing Blueberries attend one of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Blueberry Workshops. Extension Agents and State Specialists will provide information on planting blueberries, pruning, variety selection, health benefits, use in fresh recipes and preservation methods.

There are five remaining workshops:

Tuesday, July 8, Randolph County – Wedowee (256) 357-2841
Thursday, July 10, Chilton County – Clanton (205) 280-6268
Thursday, July 17, Etowah County – Gadsden (256) 547-7936
Tuesday, July 22, Lee County - Opelika (334) 749-3353
Thursday, July 24, Autauga – Autaugaville (334) 361-7273

Workshops begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Workshop participants will receive blueberry publications, a blueberry recipe book, a T-shirt and lunch. The cost of the workshop is $10.00. To register and for directions call the Extension Office number for the workshop you plan to attend. For more information contact Regional Extension Agent Stan Roark (256) 357-2841.