Most of Michigan’s commercial blueberry production is located in southwest Michigan where sandy glacial soils and high water tables result in excellent blueberry soils. These soils are moist with soil pHs in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. Over 20 blueberry varieties are grown in Michigan.
What blueberries grow best in Michigan?
The most important varieties in Michigan are currently Bluecrop, Jersey, Elliott, Duke, Rubel and Bluejay. Jersey and Rubel have long been the backbone of the Michigan industry, but planting of these varieties has declined over the past several decades.
In which conditions do blueberries grow best?
Blueberries grow best in full sun. Plants will tolerate partial shade, but too much shade causes plants to produce fewer blossoms and less fruit. Avoid areas surrounded by trees. Trees provide too much shade, compete with plants for water and nutrients, and interfere with air movement around plants.
Is Michigan known for blueberries?
Michigan is currently the leading blueberry producing state in the United States. Michigan often produces over 100 million pounds of blueberries from almost 21,000 acres during the July through September blueberry harvest season.
Where does Michigan rank in blueberry production?
third
Michigan blueberry facts:
Michigan ranks third in growing blueberries, producing an average of 92 million pounds with more than 30 different varieties. Michigan blueberries are grown, harvested and processed by 575 family farms.
How do blueberries grow in Michigan?
In general, bushes should get about 2 inches of water per week. Plant bushes in late spring, and space them 3 to 4 feet apart. Blueberries need well-drained, acidic soil, and southwest Michigan has plenty of it. Blueberries prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil.
Where do blueberry bushes grow in Michigan?
Most of Michigan’s commercial blueberry production is located in southwest Michigan where sandy glacial soils and high water tables result in excellent blueberry soils. These soils are moist with soil pHs in the 4.5 to 5.5 range.
What state produces the most blueberries?
Washington
About 95% of blueberries are grown in the U.S., and while several states like Georgia, Michigan and New Jersey contribute to this figure, AgHires explains that Washington produces the most berries, totaling over 160 million pounds.
What type of soil do blueberries like?
acidic soils
Blueberries prefer acidic soils. A fail-safe way to grow blueberries in almost any soil is to incorporate peat moss into the planting medium. For planting directly in the ground, work up a planting area approximately 2½ feet in diameter and 1 foot deep for each plant. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil.
Will deer eat blueberry bushes?
Yes, they do. Deer will not hesitate to feed on a great many things in your garden, mostly your blueberry plants. Therefore, you need to protect your blueberry patches from deer invasion. One deer deterrent method is never enough as deer are very resilient.
Where is the blueberry capital of the US?
Hammonton is a town in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World”.
Where is the blueberry capital of the world?
Hammonton, New Jersey
A farmworker from Guatemala in Hammonton, New Jersey. Hammonton calls itself “the Blueberry Capital of the World,” with 56 farms in a town of 14,000 people.
What is the blueberry capital of Michigan?
SOUTH HAVEN
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — Often called the blueberry capital of the world — or at least one of them — this southwestern Michigan port town is celebrating its 49th annual National Blueberry Festival in August.
What state has best tasting blueberries?
1. Washington – 96.1 Million Pounds of Blueberries Produced.
What is Michigan’s biggest crop?
In terms of revenue and production numbers, potatoes are Michigan’s top crop. Potatoes are grown throughout the state, from the southernmost counties of the Lower Peninsula all the way up into the cold climates of the Upper Peninsula.
What does Michigan grow the most of?
The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus; black and cranberry beans; cucumbers; tart cherries; Niagara grapes; and squash. Michigan agriculture contributes more than $104.7 billion annually to our state’s economy, second in diversity only to California.
What berries grow well in Michigan?
Some berries found in Michigan include brambles (raspberries and blackberries), blueberries, strawberries and juneberries.
What percentage of blueberries come from Michigan?
Michigan produced 65 million pounds last year, according to the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), which was 32.2 percent of North America’s cultivated crop of 201.4 million pounds.
Do blueberries prefer sun or shade?
Your plant would love a sunny place with well-drained, fertile soil. But it will be quite satisfied with six to eight hours of sunlight. Good drainage is required to keep your plant “happy.” If your soil has high clay content, use our Coco-Fiber Potting Medium or add one-third peat to the soil at planting time.
Why can’t blueberry plants be shipped to Michigan?
The state of Michigan restricts the import of blueberry bushes into Michigan. This is to protect the Michigan Blueberry Industry from several blueberry viruses that occur in other areas of the world and not in Michigan.
Is sea soil good for blueberries?
Work a liberal amount of peat moss into the planting hole and make sure you mulch every spring with Sea Soil to help keep the moisture in and the weeds out, not to mention Sea Soil is a great natural fertilizer. Aluminum Sulfate can help change the acidity of the soil during the growing season.