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Why Pruning in The Late Winter Is Best for The Bush

Posted by gnite721@gmail.com | January 11, 2021

MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM — MGs in the News

Published in: The Reflector • Jan 11, 2021

By Cameron Kast

Excerpt from the Reflector article:

On Saturday, Jan. 23, Pacific Northwest Gardeners can log into Zoom and learn all about the basics of blueberry care. From when to prune to how much, the Washington State Master Gardeners will teach locals everything they need to know to ensure healthy and productive blueberry plants. “The more pruning you do, the better blueberries you will get,” WSU Master Gardener John Moore said.

According to Moore, it is best to prune blueberry plants in the late Winter, usually around January and February. Pruning the plants too early could damage them as they could re-grow before the first frost. If you prune them too late, you could damage the plant as it isn’t as hardy when it’s not dormant for winter. Moore also said that it is important to wait for the first budding before pruning and stick to pruning in late winter. Waiting for the bud is important because it allows you to see where the berries will grow in the next harvest. “When it is dormant, it can handle the pruning because you need to prune blueberries significantly,” Moore said. “You will typically take out 25 to 50 percent of the plant each year. The more pruning you do, the better blueberries you will get.”

Read the entire article online.


The the Washington State University Clark College extension office can be reached at 360-397-6060 ext. 5738, or by email: Erika.Johnson@clark.wa.gov.