How to Protect Blueberry Bushes From Freezing

Keep careful track of weather forecasts. Knowing the severity of the potential freezing is important to properly protect your blueberry bushes. Understand the factors that contribute to freezes, including temperature, humidity and wind speed. Utilize one or more of the following methods to keep your blueberries safe as temperatures dip below freezing.

Place jugs of warm water among the bushes. Water will radiate heat out as it cools, which in turn will warm the bushes. Jugs can be filled with warm water, or if there is significant heat during the day, can be filled with cool water and allowed to warm in the sun. Other heat-retaining mediums such as stones, bricks or sand can be used as alternatives.

Cover your bushes with a protective cover. Several companies manufacture these covers, often made of polypropylene, designed in varying thicknesses depending on need of insulation. Cheaper options include burlap or even cotton or linen bedsheets. Cover the plants before dusk, so the bulk of absorbed daytime heat is retained under the cover.

Apply water to the immediate soil among and around the bushes. The water will both release heat itself, and will fill air pockets in the soil, helping to draw heat up from below continuously. Be generous with water application, enough to saturate the soil, but not enough for puddles to form on the surface.

Direct hot air onto your bushes with a large fan. Modes of heating such as space heaters radiate sufficient heat to keep your bushes above freezing temperature. Using a large fan or wind machine to direct the heat given off is more efficient and safe than surrounding your bushes with heat sources.