Growing Blueberries with Kathleen Demchak

Growing Blueberries with Kathleen Demchak

Author: Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com March 15, 2021 Duration: 45:11
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What is the secret of growing blueberries successfully? In this episode of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and Podcast we speak to Kathleen Demchak, Senior Extension Associate at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences about blueberries and how to grow them successfully.   

Click here to watch an 8-minute video excerpt from the podcast. 

Download Kathleen's PDF on growing blueberries, Keys to Establishing a Successful Blueberry Planting.

The prize for this episode's contest includes two tools from Dramm. It includes a 10' soaker ring, which directs water to the roots of young trees and shrubs, and a Dramm Bypass Pro Pruner. The total value of the two item package is $38.00.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com.

 

Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world.

 

We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading.

 

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  • (00:00) - Introduction to Native Plants
  • (00:21) - Challenges of Growing Blueberries
  • (00:41) - Understanding Blueberry Soil Requirements
  • (00:54) - Interview with Kathy Jemchak
  • (01:34) - Natural Habitats of Blueberries
  • (03:29) - Blueberry Root Systems and Mycorrhizal Associations
  • (05:37) - Making Your Garden Suitable for Blueberries
  • (07:18) - Listener Questions: Winterizing and Pruning Blueberries
  • (12:03) - Listener Questions: Soil Amendments and pH
  • (14:01) - Listener Questions: Moving and Planting Blueberries
  • (28:24) - Listener Questions: Fertilizing Blueberries
  • (31:56) - Exploring Blueberry Varieties and Cultivars
  • (44:16) - Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

Imagine stepping into your own backyard and picking a perfect, sun-warmed apple from a tree you nurtured yourself. That tangible connection to the land and the deep satisfaction of growing your own food is at the heart of Orchard People. Hosted by fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner, this podcast digs into the practical and often surprising world of cultivating fruit trees, whether you have a few pots on a balcony or several acres to explore. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable friend, as Susan and her guests unpack the nuances of pruning for better harvests, managing pests without harsh chemicals, and understanding the life beneath our feet through soil health. You’ll hear from specialists on topics like grafting heirloom varieties, designing resilient food forests, and integrating permaculture principles into any space. It’s more than just tips and tricks; it’s about building confidence and community around sustainable growing. Tune in to this garden-focused podcast for grounded advice that helps both new and experienced growers foster healthier trees and more abundant yields, season after season.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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