How to Protect My Blueberries

Birds and Rodents

• 1

  Install one 6-foot PVC pole along the edge of patch and vertically across the width of patch to make an arch. Space the poles 4 -to 6-feet apart. Measure the width of the patch and add a center row of poles if the patch is wider than 6 feet.

• 2

  Attach the elbow connectors to the top of the poles around the edge and the "T" connectors on the center rows, if applicable.

• 3

  Cut the PVC pole to the correct length to attach vertically across the top of the edge poles. Insert the poles into the connectors to create an arch.

• 4

  Install bird netting over the arch and secure it in place with zip ties or twine. Verify there are no gaps or holes where birds or rodents can enter.

Rabbits

• 5

  Install 4-foot-tall fence posts around the perimeter of the blueberry garden at a spacing of 4 feet apart.

• 6

  Attach 3-foot-high fine chicken wire to the posts with zip ties or wire to secure in place. Pull the chicken wire taut between each pole to prevent sagging. Verify the chicken wire is flush with the ground to prevent gaps where rabbits can enter.

• 7

  Mound 3 inches of soil or pea gravel against the inside and outside of the fence at ground level to lower the risk of rabbits finding a gap they can enter.

Frost and Freezing

• 8

  Cover the blueberry plants at dusk with a bed sheet or plant fabric when there is a risk of frost after blossoms appear on the blueberry plants.

• 9

  Remove the cover in the morning once the temperature rises above 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 10

  Apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch around the plant stem and over the root ball area in late fall to insulate the plant in areas with a harsh winter and freezing temperature. Pine boughs or clean straw work well for winter insulation.

• 11

  Remove the winter mulch in early spring once the ground begins to thaw. Avoid leaving mulch on the plant too long in spring to prevent stem rot.