I was first surprised and then excited to learn that blueberries can be grown successfully in my area. Still I failed at my first attempt. Probably because I started my plant in a pot I didn’t tend it very well. Last year I tried again but this time in my nice garden soil. It appeared to thrive albeit it grew very slowly. Why? I found out later.

The Growing zone for blueberries is 3-8 of which we fall smack in the middle so they should be a cinch right? There are 5 varieties of blueberries and here in Utah. Only “High bush” and “Half-high” varieties are recommended. Mine is a half-high variety and I’m looking forward to experimenting with perennials in and around my vegetable beds to maintain microbial life year round and improved soils and fruit yields. This will also require some observation. I can often cut years of observation by researching what others have learned and been gracious enough to put online or in books.

So I read it can be difficult starting blueberries the main factor being the PH which science says should fall between 4.0 and 5.0 on a conventional measuring scale (not actually accurate PH). Yes, blueberries apparently require acidic soil but using fertilizer doesn’t make sense to me as a requirement. I know nature must have a holistic faith based answer. No one manages nature to ensure wild Alaskan soils maintain proper acidity for it’s famous blueberries. But what about this PH? Despite my faith in holistic organic gardening methods, have I been finally trapped by conventional wisdom and will be required to rely on sulfur and intensive manicuring techniques to enjoy blueberries?

There are many informative sources where instructors are all too happy to share advice. After a little research I ran across a very interesting article about how and why “Soil PH Testing Is Misunderstood”. In this article, I found some powerful anecdotal evidence that supports my theory: That the life of soil organisms in no till organic gardening (aka nature) is far more powerful at regulating PH than man something “totally unnecessary” said Scott Nearing due to the “power of compost”. It is observed that biodynamic farms evolve to become virtually pH insensitive.

The biggest hurdle with establishing a blueberry bush come when first trying to establish a new plant in Alkaline soil, which makes sense, so a little help my be necessary. There are many ways to lower soil PH without adding sulfur which ironically includes mulch but I can’t begrudge any other “nursery” method for getting established including the use of elemental sulfur. Once established I am looking forward to enjoying my blueberries for years to come so the struggle is worth it.

This last winter was so very harsh and cold that I wonder if mine survived. Now, nearing the end of April, despite the incessant cold weather, the tiny bush appears to be green so I’m hoping to see buds soon. Nevertheless I realized one big mistake. I planted it near competitive plants that also require a different soil PH. I have said that holistic gardening requires observation skills or a potential degree in the school of hard knocks. Every lesson I learn is more precious than gold. In this case, it’s blue.