Blueberry Bushes to Cover a chain-link Fence
Employing blueberry (Vaccinium ssp.) To cover a chain-link fence supplies both herbal and cosmetic advantages. The very best varieties to cover chain link fences are those that possess an erect habit and work best on your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. Potentially viable species comprise highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 or 7, and rabbit eye (Vaccinium ashei), hardy in zones 8 or 7 through 9.
Rabbit Eye Varieties
Rabbit eye blueberries typically grow 8 to 10 feet tall, making them a good size for fence coverage. So as to make cross pollination for berry production, plant two or three distinct varieties. The blossoms will be white with a pinkish cast and the leaves may turn reddish in the autumn. Rabbit eye varieties comprise “Bladen,” “Bonita” and “Brightwell,” all of which ripen early in the summertime. “Briteblue,” “Powderblue” and “Tifblue,” ripen at mid-century and “Baldwin” and “Delight” bear late-night blueberries.
Highbush Types
Highbush blueberries grow 6 to 12 feet tall, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. A subcategory of highbush blueberry is the southern highbush blueberry, which grows better in the warmer end of the hardiness range for highbush varieties, USDA zones 7 through 8. Plant at least two varieties for cross pollination. The exception to this rule is “Sharpblue,” a southern highbush blueberry that is self-fertile and can be planted in single variety rows. Apart from southern highbush varieties comprise “Avonblue,” “Flordablue” and “Southland.”
Cultivation
Prior to putting a row of blueberry bushes facing a chain-link fence, test the soil for acidity. Highbush blueberries require pH of 5.0 or less, while rabbit eye sorts require pH of 5.3 or less. Create raised beds or mounded rows to the new plants and enrich the soil with acidic compost like peat moss or pine bark. Make sure there is enough room between the fence and the young plants to accommodate their adult size.
Factors
Rabbit eye blueberries are easier for home growers to cultivate than other species and prosper in a greater assortment of conditions and soils. Fantastic drainage is essential for all blueberries. Before planting bushes facing a chain-link fence, be sure the area is free of weeds. Use a cover of mulch or landscape fabric to keep down weeds and provide regular moisture, particularly for young plants. Birds love blueberries, so in the event that you want to deter them, use netting above the bushes beginning as soon as the initial berries start to ripen.