Eric Middleton from UC ANR will be joining us to talk about growing blueberries in Southern California. Those with limited gardening space will appreciate that blueberries grow very well in containers where the soil pH can most easily be managed to create the acidic conditions required for these plants to be healthy and productive.  UC researchers have been studying blueberries at a test plot near the flower fields in Carlsbad. Eric says that blueberries are a hardy and high-value crop that could be a great option for urban farmers to produce. The researchers investigated growing several varieties of blueberries under multiple growing conditions to determine how well this crop could be used by small-scale urban growers in Southern California. Eric Middleton is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor working with UC Cooperative Extension. Although he is based in San Diego County, Eric is also responsible for IPM needs in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Eric works with growers and communities wherever pests are in issue, including in nursery and floriculture production, citrus and avocado groves, and the many small farms found in San Diego county. Martha Haber, the lead of our Propagation Committee, spearheaded the group purchase of seven varieties of blueberry plants that were sold to our members in the church parking lot before the meeting. The plants were purchased from Hartmann's Plant Company. All the blueberries selected for the sale are low-chill Southern Highbush cultivars that are known to grow well in Southern California: Biloxi Colibri Galaxy Misty Paloma/Haven Sharpblue Sunshine Blue Click here for a description of each variety. Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and the participation of our members, the blueberry sale was a great success!

Eric Middleton (right) at Wallace Ranch during the 2022 Dragon Fruit Production Tour Eric 'The Bug Ninja' competes on American Ninja Warrior Click here to view the video For more information contact Jeff Warner  [email protected]