I live in western Washington and have 3 dwarf blueberry bushes. This is the first year they have been in the ground after several seasons in pots. Our summer weather included some severe 'hot spots. ' I'm wondering if this is the cause of the berries having tough skins or if there is something else I should be doing to produce berries with tender skins.
Hot, dry, windy weather makes for tough-skinned blueberries. As your plant gets more established in the ground, the skin might get less thick and tough. To aid this, give ample water and possibly add a wind break.
Is it good to spread pine needles over the soil this fall where I want to plant my blueberry bushes next spring?
Sorry, wrong link. This is the one I meant:
http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012078378210706707791%3Af1h5n_k1r5e&ie=UTF-8&q=blueberries&oq=&gs_l=#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=blueberries&gsc.page=1
Absolutely. Blueberries love acidic soil. This link should be helpful: http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012078378210706707791%3Af1h5n_k1r5e&ie=UTF-8&q=string+fungus+in+mulch&oq=&gs_l=#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=blueberry%20care
I've planted a variety of berry plants in my backyard. I already use Sevin Bug Spray for the plant itself, but I noticed bugs IN the soil and one of my blueberry plants has maggots in the roots. I noticed the bugs when I took the plant out to move it to a different place. What can I use in the soil?
In situations like this, I am a big fan of drenching the soil with diluted neem oil. It will deal with pests in the soil and also be taken up by the plant to help ward off anything that is attacking the plant itself.
I have heard that evergreens create an acidic soil. I wondered if this was true, and if it would work to plant some evergreens in and around my blueberry bushes to help maintain an acidic soil for them.
While some evergreen plants may help acidify the soil, it isn't really a reliable way to ensure that your blueberries will get enough. For more information, these articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/lower-soil-ph-blueberries.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-fertilizer.htm
How do I increase the amount of blueberries my bushes produce?
If you are not getting much fruit, this could be due to poor pollination, or there the soil may be lacking phosphorus. A soil test would let you know for certain. Adding some bone meal to the soil will help with this, however. This article will help with fertilizing blueberries: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-fertilizer.htm
Are blueberries annuals or perennials?
They are perennials. These shrubs grow back every year without being replanted.
I have Blueberry plants that are 2 years old and would like to know what kind of organic fertilizer I should be using this spring.
This article will help you with fertilizing blueberries: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-fertilizer.htm