There is a lot of thought and preparation needed to grow blueberries. Unlike most berries and many vegetables, blueberries are quite particular about the pH of their soil. They prefer and do best in 4.5-5.5 pH. Now that's acidic soil. But to get my soil that acidic I would have had to add sulfur to the soil last fall. Needless to say life was quite busy last fall and I was unable to prepare the field. So after much research and question asking I discovered that one could actually add 1 cubic foot of peat moss to each 12 inch hole and acidify and add organic matter sufficient for blueberry growing. Pricey yes. But since I had ordered my blueberries 18 months ago and there was no return of my rather substantial 25% deposit, we had little options.
As soon as the early spring rains gave us a break we began the field. It all started out by laying the rows out. Four foot wide rows with five foot aisles. We were going to plant 1200 plants. Yes, that's right, 1200. So after doing the math and checking out our field we determined that we needed 20 rows of 240 feet long. We carefully layed out the stakes and measured and marked each row. Then my husband pulled some wire for a guide. I rototilled each row. It looked great. Then late into the night he rototilled them again. Four days later I rototilled again. And two days after that yet again. Then it was time to drill the holes.
I don't know if the thought of digging out 1200 holes 16 inches across and 12 inches deep seems daunting to you... it sure did to me. But.... wonderful husband to the rescue again. He attached the post hole digger / auger to the backhoe and proceeded to do the hard hole digging the smart way. But first we had to lay out the pattern. So we once again got out the tape measure and measured four foot marks along the grass. I would drive the tractor and when the front tire just crossed the painted mark, my husband would then drill the hole. This went on for 1200 holes. (7 hours later....)
Next was the peat moss delivery. Then the moving of the peat moss bales (all 600 of them). Then the opening of the peat moss and dumping into the holes. Then the mixing.... well, that stopped after 25 holes. We tried initially to stir them up by hand. After an hour we realized that it wasn't going to work. Rototiller to the rescue again. We tilled the peat moss in. That technique worked well. And we didn't have a heart attack in the process.
Then the delivery of the plants.
And now, finally, the planting. ...We are still not done with that part. (nor have I taken any pictures) The rains came again. We have five rows done. It takes about 30-40 minutes/row to plant. Hopefully we will be done before the end of the week.
It is all very exciting. I have so many thoughts to share...they will have to wait for future posts. Suffice to say that my son learned (and enjoyed!) hard work. And I discovered within myself a blossoming new respect and love for my husband (as if it could be possible to love anyone any more... no wonder he's the best husband in the world!) More on those subjects later.
Gardening is physically taxing at times.... My body is still in recovery. I am very thankful for ibuprofen, water, and rest... oh yes.... and a hot shower.
I should be in great shape in no time!
Today's Journey Joy: The beginning of a blueberry farm
