Indiana has over
600 acres of highbush blueberries, ranking it
12th in the U.S. Most plantings
are in the northern third of the state where soils are
most conducive. Many older planting were established
on high organic matter muck soils, as these soils were
deemed unsuitable for other crops. Most of these sites,
however, are low lying and very prone to mid-winter
cold injury and spring frosts. Newer plantings have
been made on sites less prone to cold temperature injury
and on lighter soils. Most blueberry
plantings in northern Indiana are on sandy soils that
are high in organic matter and naturally acid. Irrigation
is commonly available due to a naturally high water
table. Many Indiana growers market a significant portion
of their crop through the Michigan Blueberry Grower's
Association.
Blueberries are becoming a popular
crop in central and southern areas of the state as growers
learn how to manage the crop on low organic matter mineral
soils. Soil amendments, pH adjustment, mulching and
trickle irrigation make production of blueberries possible.
Blueberries are a popular plant
for the home garden. Though they require specific soil
conditions, they have few pest problems and are consistently
productive.
The following links will take
you to blueberry production information applicable to
Indiana. |
Department
of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
