How to Protect Blueberry Bushes From Frost & Freeze

Blueberry bushes, like most plants, go into a dormant state as temperatures drop in the fall and winter. During this dormant period, they are very cold-hardy and usually suffer no damage, depending on the variety. Once the buds break dormancy, though, and the blueberries begin to flower, frosts or freezes can kill the buds, destroying blueberry yields or damaging the plant. Protect your blueberry harvest through cultural practices, as well as mechanical protection.

Pruning shears
Garden hose
Sprinkler
Row covers

Instructions

- 1
  Plant late-blooming blueberries if spring frosts are common in your area. Consult a local extension office for varieties suitable to your area. Powderblue, Brightwell and Tifblue, for example, are known for surviving frosts, while other varieties yield little or no fruit if they endure even a mild frost.
- 2
  Plant the blueberries at the top of a slope, rather than in low areas. Cold air tends to condense in these frost pockets, making blueberry plants more susceptible to damage. An area that is near a building or trees is protected from freezing winds, as well.
- 3
  Prune the blueberry plants immediately after harvest. These plants tend to bloom later the following year.
- 4
  Water the soil if frosts are expected. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and will protect the plants better. Run an overhead sprinkler when temperatures dip below 37 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly if the air is dry.
- 5
  Lay row covers over the blueberries to protect them from frosts. Row covers are removable fabrics that provide insulation. Remove them once temperatures warm up.

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