Everybody has many goals for their garden and different landscaping needs. Need to entertain? You prioritize an inviting patio with ample space for tables and chairs! Kids and pets need somewhere to play? You create a lush lawn with room to run! Your yard should work for you and add to your local ecosystem. We believe in cultivating fun and functional landscapes that cater to your needs! One of our favorite ways to create an attractive and practical landscape is with edible gardens. This week, to celebrate the warm weather and spring's immanent arrival, we're talking about growing blueberries in Charleston and how blueberry bushes can be utilized in your space!
Your yard can be beautiful and delicious! Growing your own food offers a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with nature, while reducing your grocery bill and putting nutrient rich foods on the table. Blueberries are a popular, rewarding fruit for this practice. Blueberries are prolific fruiters and many varieties are very acclimated to the south east.
While blueberries are a popular option, there are some factors to consider. Blueberries prefer acidic, well-drianing soil and Charleston notoriously has areas with clay soil. To combat this, have your soil tested and make necessary adjustments before planting this spring! Additionally, long and hot summers can be challenging for some blueberry varieties. We recommend rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties for this area! Both have been adapted to our Charleston climate and require less chill hours than northern varieties.
One of our favorite options for your home is a rabbiteye hybrid known as "Pink Lemonade"! These bushes are prized for the bright pink fruit and contrasting dark evergreen foliage. Other favorites include: Brightwell, Springhigh, and the native Darrow’s Wild Blueberry! Like most fruit, it is recommended that you have more than one variety for better cross pollination and improved fruit! However, it is not necessary for all Southern Highbush varieties that are self-fertile.
For more information on varieties suitable for Charleston and different pollination needs : check out Clemson's Blueberry Factsheet!
Blueberries are a wonderful addition to any space and work well planted in beds or in rows around borders. Wether you plant two as a focal point in your edible garden or utilize multiple for a privacy hedge, the addition of attractive, sweet berries will make you, your family, and the animals very happy!
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