Vigorous root growth can cause root exposure if mulch is not replenished as it deteriorates. The benefits of mulching continue as long as mulch is replenished when necessary.
Sawdust can be used as mulching material, particularly a well composted softwood sawdust. If fresh sawdust is used, an additional 50 percent to percent Nitrogen may be necessary for the first few years to compensate for increased microbial activity. Well-composted sawdust requires less supplemental nitrogen.
In addition to its use as mulch, composted sawdust has been found beneficial when applied in the planting hole, particularly in conjunction with the mulch. In these cases fertilizer applications has to be increased threefold to produce vigorous growth. Also, it is possible to overcome the harmful effects of high soil pH by incorporating sawdust into the soil in which rabbiteye blueberries were grown.
The incorporation of peat moss in the soil at planting also provides higher yields in following years. The most common options for mulch are bark chips, pea gravel, straw, grass clipping, sawdust, leaves, and peat moss. Each mulch type has its advantages and disadvantages, and some work better for certain plants than other types.
No matter if you purchase mulch or use something on hand you will see definitive benefits in the plants grown and their harvestable outputs when you cover the exposed soil.
The most effective mulch for blueberries is high in lignin and is acidic in nature. Lignin is an important structural component in vascular tissue and provides rigidity in plant materials especially in wood and bark.
It also slows the decomposition process of plant materials so they do not rot easily. This slow decomposition rate will keep the soil pH from increasing as nitrogen is broken down and released into the soil. Aged wood chips are a fantastic material to use for mulch around blueberry plants. The wood chips will break down slowly because of their high lignin content.
This slow decomposition keeps the soil pH acidic and prevents it from rising too quickly because of nitrogen released into the soil, while simultaneously providing the benefits of using a mulch to the blueberry bushes. Sawdust is one of the best materials to use as mulch around blueberry bushes.
The best sawdust to use is pine sawdust due to its slightly acidic nature; this will help maintain the acidic soil pH preferred by the plants. Use caution if purchasing fresh sawdust as it can pull nitrogen out of the soil as it breaks down, making it unavailable to plants for their use.
If you choose to use fresh sawdust make sure to keep it spread across the soil surface instead of incorporating it into the soil profile. You may be surprised to learn that you actually can purchase sawdust online such as the brand found here. Pine bark is made from the shredded bark of pine trees and is more acidic than most other mulch options, making it a great option for using with blueberries. Pine bark is excellent at reducing weed germination and is an aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners.
Choose bark that is larger in size and not artificially colored as some mulch can be. Mulch should be loose enough for water percolation.
Pine needles, wood chips or bark mulch work well as mulches for blueberries. Avoid using dyed mulches black or red. Avoid using synthetic mulches like black plastic or landscape fabric.
How thick should I spread the mulch? Spread the mulch inches thick around the plant and out to the drip line. May I just let grass grow around the base of the plant as mulch? No, grass will compete for nutrients and moisture.
Blueberries perform best with a mulch to prevent weeds and competition. How often do I need to mulch around my blueberry bushes? The mulch should be freshened each year. Spring is a good time to do loosen the mulch with a hand tool and add a new layer of fresh mulch. How often should I water my new blueberry plants? Provide gallons of water per week for any weeks in which no rain occurs. When will my new blueberry plants bear fruit? The plants if unattended would bear fruit this year.
Remove the blossoms the first two years ands Then allow a light crop in year three Why do I have to remove blossoms in the first two years? Blossom removal helps the plant put it energies toward developing a strong root system and cane growth.
The practice of removing the blossoms in the first two years after planting really helps the plant get established.
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