We have 11 blueberry bushes -- four different varieties. I know that 5 of the bushes are Elliot, but I cannot recall what the others are. Four of the Elliots are not even close to producing -- they are under 2 feet tall. Our goal for them this year is to help them survive the rabbits. We have them caged to protect them.
Last year, 2013, I covered several branches on each of the 7 bushes that were producing with floating row cover to protect the berries from the birds. I only picked from what was covered. What was not covered got picked clean by the birds. Between June 29 and August 11 of 2013, I picked 34 cups of blueberries. Wow!
This year, after pruning the bushes for the first time ever, I was worried about the bushes being less productive. My fears were totally unfounded. Actually, quite the opposite is true. The bushes are more productive than they have ever been. One of the bushes is so full of berries that the branches are bent over and touching the ground.
For at least the last two weeks, the robins, blue jays and chipmunks have been feasting! And I have been picking! Last year at this time, I had picked 7 cups of berries. This year's total, as of today is 12 cups. And we haven't covered a single branch with floating row cover.
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