Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
July 10, 2003

    Those that want small fruit as part of an edible landscape may want to strongly consider blueberry plants. Blueberries are considered a duel purpose shrub, possessing both aesthetics as a border planting well as a plant that produces ample supplies of delicious fruit. Blueberries also produce anti-oxidants beneficial in reducing many types of cancers.
    There are three main types of cultivated blueberries although rabbiteye type is recommended for the Piedmont. Tifblue, Powderblue, Woodard and Climax are a few named varieties that adapt to our growing conditions.
    An acid loving plant, blueberries need growing conditions similar to azaleas, camellias and rhododendron. Well drained, low pH organic soils are preferred for maximum growth and development. These plants also need full sun with an ample supply of water during droughts.
Because blueberries are relatively insect and disease free, little or no pesticides are needed for the crop. The only real competitor is birds which seem to enjoy them as soon as they begin to ripen.      More information on blueberry production can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-202.html or contact the Extension Office at 704-633-0571.
    Those that have an interest in seeing mature plants or just want to pick berries should consider visiting a pick-your-own blueberry operation. Rowan County is fortunate to have two operations; Bryce Kepley's Pinetop Farm on Majolica Road and Elium Farm located off Dunns Mountain Road.
    The recent rains have delayed fruit ripening by a couple of weeks. However, the rains have also produced a bumper crop that is now ready for harvest. The blueberry harvest period may last 5 weeks or longer.

     Bryce Kepley's Pinetop Farm blueberry pick-your-own operation is located on Majolica Road, 1 mile west on the Salisbury Mall off Highway 70. His operation features one acre of rabbiteye bushes loaded with large fruit. Kepley stresses that his operation is child friendly so bring the kids. Berries are sold by the pound averaging approximately $1.50 a quart pick-your-own; picked berries are available on limited bases and average about $3.25 per quart. Bring your own container. Pinetop     Farms is open on Thursdays 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12noon. Call 704-637-7208 for updated messages.

    Elium Farms is located off Dunns Mt. Road in Eastern Rowan County. Elium Farms is open evenings after 5 p.m. Please call 704-636-2459 for availability. Berries at Elium Farms are $8.00 a 4 quart container or $12.00 pre-picked.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.