Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? That’s right! An entire month devoted to singing the ‘blues!’ If you planted blueberries this spring, this month will likely give you a delicious harvest of healthy, fresh, antioxidant-rich fruit.
And although it is a hot time of year for planting new varieties, you can certainly grab some blueberries from your local garden center and get them in the ground. Just be sure to water deeply and frequently and be patient with the berry production. Blueberries fruit on old wood, so if the plant you purchased is younger than that, you won’t see much fruit until the following year.
Whether you’re growing blueberries this season or want to gather fun inspiration for next year, here are five creative ways you can use blueberries to celebrate National Blueberry Month!
MAKE THE PATIO POP
Petunias in the spring, geraniums in the summer, mums in the fall – why not try a potted blueberry as fresh and fun patio décor this year? Pink Icing® is a great, multi-season pick due to its tricolor foliage that eventually deepens to deep purple in the fall. At only 2-feet high, it doesn’t take over tight spaces and will grow well in a 16-inch container.
PLANT A HEDGE
Tired of copy/paste boxwood hedging? Try BerryBux® blueberry! The tidy, glossy foliage gives the look of a traditional boxwood design but with the benefit and whimsy of white bell-shaped flowers in spring and blueberries in summer.
HANG AROUND
Running out of planting space? Look up! Midnight Cascade has a trailing habit that is perfect for hanging baskets. This is also a great solution for gardeners who battle rabbits, deer, and other ground-dwelling wildlife that like to snack on edible plants. Elevate your berries and keep more for yourself.
MIX IT UP
Already growing herbs and want to expand your garnish garden? Try a blueberry and herb mixed container! Jelly Bean® and thyme is a popular combination, but most herbs will grow just fine planted in the slightly acidic soil needed to produce healthy blueberries.
TREAT YOURSELF
The best way to celebrate blueberry month and your gardening success? Eating the berries! Bushel and Berry® has a full recipe library with easy, step-by-step recipes to help you use your harvest. While nothing tastes better than a berry picked right off the bush, a handful of fruit swirled into a freshly baked cake is a pretty close second!
Growing fresh, delicious blueberries in containers is easy and enjoyable for anyone. Looking for more tips and inspiration? Visit the Bushel and Berry® website and follow along on Instagram.
All images courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
A Freely growing rose garden has plenty of natural charm, but thoughtful plant pairings can make your roses stand out even more. To learn more click here for an informative article.
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