How to Cover New Blueberry Bushes from the Cold

Blueberry bushes grow well in many places in the U.S., producing dark blue, juicy berries in the summer months. Most varieties can tolerate cold temperatures but even the hardiest begin to suffer damage when temperatures are consistently below minus 20 to minus 30 F, according to horticulture specialists at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. It is a good idea to protect most newly planted blueberry bushes during the first winter, even if temperatures in your region do not drop that low.

Straw
Wooden barrel
Drill
1/2-inch drill bit
Horticultural fleece (optional)
Twine

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a 4- to 6-inch layer of straw loosely around the base of the blueberry bush. Do not pack the straw down; instead, fluff it up to trap air and aid with heat retention. Apply the mulch in the fall before the first frost.
- 2
  Locate a large wooden barrel, such as a wine barrel or other barrel used to store food. Remove the top from it and turn the barrel upside down with the open end facing down. Using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill eight to 10 holes in the top of the barrel to provide ventilation.
- 3
  Place the barrel over the blueberry bush, leaving the straw in place. Leave the barrel on until late winter or early spring, when the temperatures rise above freezing.

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