Clallam County Master Gardeners Jeanette Stehr-Green and Audreen Williams host “Blueberries: Pruning for Productivity” at two different sessions in February.

Learn more about pruning blueberries from 10:30-noon on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Fifth Street Community Garden, 328 E. Fifth St., Port Angeles. Space is limited; register at brownpapertickets.com/event/6167875.

A second session is set for 10:30-noon on Saturday, Feb.24, at Lazy J Farm, 225 Gehrke Road, between Sequim and Port Angeles. Space is limited. Register at brownpapertickets.com/event/6167880.

Event organizers note that research has shown that when blueberry plants are not pruned or are pruned too lightly, they fail to develop strong wood and become less productive. Blueberry growers need to establish an annual pruning regimen to remove old and diseased canes, encourage the growth and development of strong new canes, and ultimately increase the blueberry harvest.

After hearing this presentation, organizers say, participants will be able to: describe the typical growth pattern of a blueberry cane; recognize blueberry canes of different ages; outline a systematic approach to pruning, and list considerations for pruning different varieties of blueberries or blueberry bushes that have been neglected.

Late winter is the best time to prune blueberries. Blueberry growers will be able to apply what they learn soon after the presentation. With implementation of an annual pruning regimen, the gardener’s blueberry bushes will be happier and healthier and produce bigger and better berries.

Photo by Paul Stehr-Green Clallam County Master Gardners Audreen Williams, left, and Jeanette Stehr-Green host two sessions of “Blueberries: Pruning for Productivity” on Feb. 10, at the Fifth Street Community Garden and Feb. 24 at Lazy J Farm.