The Rowan County 4-H program is selling strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and muscadine plants to support their activities during the year.
Varieties of blueberries available include Brightwell, Premier and Tifblue. It is recommended that two or more varieties be planted together to assure higher yields and better quality fruit from cross-pollination.
The blueberries are Southern varieties developed for our growing environment. You should plant your blueberries approximately 3 to 6 feet apart. The closer you plant them, the higher density hedge you will have. Water your plants regularly and keep the roots moist.
Only use fertilizer with small amounts of nitrogen, such as ones formulated for use on azaleas and rhododendrons. The ripening season is from mid-June through July. Blueberry plants are well adapted to full sun or full shade, but with more sun you will have higher fruit yields.
Whether you order strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or muscadines, you will enjoy the sweet yields for many years to come. When you receive your orders, you will also receive a brochure for further information on caring for your plants.
Strawberry plants are sold in bundles of 25 plants for $10, 50 plants for $15 or 100 plants for $20. Cost for blueberry, blackberry and muscadine plants is $9 each, or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.
To order plants, please call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office at 704-216-8970 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to place your order is Wednesday, March 4. Purchase helps support the 4-H program and the youth who are striving to make the best better.