vivykat
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:16 pm
Location: Chicago

Blueberries

I am planting blueberries and am looking for a good companion plant.

I am in Chicago (Zone 5) with a lot of full sun.

Any ideas?

Also... do blueberries like a raised bed?

User avatar
applestar
Mod
Posts: 30504
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 7:21 pm
Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)

My understanding is that blueberries have shallow surface roots and do better with good mulch. I use pine needles and Christmas tree boughs -- the needles fall off during the winter, then I remove the bigger branches, leaving smaller twigs.

Because they are acid-loving, it limits choice of plants. I do let violets grow in the vicinity, though I don't see them in the immediate area.

The smaller, more cold hardy low-bush variety are drought tolerant, the high-bush variety needs moisture but good drainage also. So I think they would do well in raised beds.

Though not edible, in Edible Landscaping, blueberries are paired with azaleas because they have similar cultural requirements. The blueberry foliage have fantastic fall color.

DoubleDogFarm
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 6113
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:43 pm

I grew strawberries under my blueberries for several years. Now I just use a heavy mulch.

I grow almost all my plantings on berms.

Eric



Return to “All Other Fruit”