Watch Video >>

Blueberries are a wonderful addition to any organic garden. They are relatively pest- and disease-free and, given the right conditions, they will thrive with very little pampering, which is music to any organic gardener's ears. Here are some tips for getting the low-maintenance blueberry patch of your dreams.

Grow varieties that are well-suited to your area
Blueberries can be grown as far North as USDA Zone 3 (parts of the northern United States and Canada) and as far South as Zone 10 (Miami), so gardeners in almost any climate can enjoy them. However, it is important to select a variety that can grow in your climate zone; the same blueberry plants that thrive in Maine will probably not fare well in Georgia. In general, organic gardeners in the northern United States should grow northern highbush varieties and Southerners (Zone 6 or warmer) should grow rabbiteye or southern highbush types. Gardeners in zones 6 or 7 (the Mid-Atlantic, North Carolina and parts of California and the Pacific Northwest) can grow both types.

Buy healthy plants
The plants you buy should be free of pests and disease and should not appear drought-stressed. Blueberry plants may be sold as either container plants (in pots) or bare root. Both types of plants can be very healthy, but container plants generally establish more easily than bare-root plants. If you have a nearby source for healthy container-grown plants, take advantage of it. However, for the sake of convenience, most blueberries are sold as bare-root plants. If you buy bare-root plants, just make sure that their roots have been kept moist and that they have not been stored in direct sunlight or excessive heat. If they meet with your approval, plant them right away.