You may want as many blueberries as possible, but judicious pruning and thinning will help your plants produce larger berries and grow to their full potential. Strip off any fruit the first year (be patient, blueberries are reasonably long-lived). The next spring, only remove low, drooping or crossing canes. The third spring, cut back the branches to 6 to 8 buds and remove any stems that are growing too long. By year 5, begin removing any old canes every spring to encourage new and more productive growth.
You may want as many blueberries as possible, but judicious pruning and thinning will help your plants produce larger berries and grow to their full potential. Strip off any fruit the first year (be patient, blueberries are reasonably long-lived). The next spring, only remove low, drooping or crossing canes. The third spring, cut back the branches to 6 to 8 buds and remove any stems that are growing too long. By year 5, begin removing any old canes every spring to encourage new and more productive growth.
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