Learn how to boost blueberry productivity

Get pruning technique tips from some local experts at a Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series presentation this month.

Master Gardener Jeanette Stehr-Green will discuss pruning blueberry plants so that they become healthier, develop strong wood and produce more, bigger and better berries at her “Pruning Blueberries for Productivity” presentation set for noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

The presentation is free and open to the public; however, donations are accepted and appreciated.

Stehr-Green will talk about establishing an annual pruning regimen to remove old and diseased canes, describe a cane’s typical growth pattern, teach participants how to recognize the cane’s age, list considerations for pruning different varieties and even provide information on caring for blueberry bushes that have been neglected.

As wintertime is the best time to prune blueberries, participants will be able to apply what they learn soon after attending this presentation.

Following the discussion, Stehr-Green and Master Gardener Audreen Williams demonstrate pruning techniques and will answer questions about other aspects of blueberry care at the Fifth Street Community Garden, 328 E. Fifth St.

The demonstration takes place rain or shine; attendees are asked to dress appropriately and be prepared to stand for 30 minutes or more.

Stehr-Green is a berry enthusiast who enjoys growing and teaching others about growing berries. She has been a WSU-certified Clallam County Master Gardener since 2003, was named 2012 Clallam County Veteran Master Gardener of the Year and has attained Lifetime Achievement status with Clallam County Master Gardeners. She writes articles for the Sequim Gazette and Peninsula Daily News and participates in a monthly call-in gardening show on KONP 101.7 FM/1450 AM.

Williams, a Clallam County Master Gardener since 2012 leads Master Gardener activities at the 5th Street Community Garden in Port Angeles and was named Clallam County Veteran Master Gardener of the Year in 2020.

The Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners is held on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one lecture is offered).

For more information about the series, call 360-565-2679.

Learn how to boost blueberry productivity