Did you know that blueberries only develop on new plant growth? That important piece of information totally escaped me until Friend told me that fact while I was working with him in the blueberry field he manages. He went on to tell me that he is going to investigate having the bushes heavily pruned during the coming winter, so that next years crop would be more plenteous.

English: First blueberries of the season. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I stayed in the field after it closed to the public to pick a few berries for myself and I had a lot of time to contemplate what he said. Picking blueberries is a great way to have time to contemplate. Picking scarce blueberries is even greater.
I thought about how Jesus mentioned the pruning process in John 15, and that Father would be coming after me with the pruning shears. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (1,2)

Later, I looked up what the Department of Agriculture had to say about pruning blueberry bushes and was amazed at how God designed the bushes to provide the ultimate pruning parallel. You just can’t make stuff up as good as these facts…
Dead wood needs to be pruned, but also any wood you want new growth on (ouch). Pruning has to harsh enough to stimulate new growth (ouch, ouch.) Pruning results not in just more fruit…but in an increased size in berries (ooooh!). Pruning is done while the bushes are dormant, in quiet times (aaaaah). Pruning lets sunlight penetrate throughout the bush (there is Sonlight in my soul today)…and pruning helps prevent the spread of disease and pests.

Oh, the sweet joys of finding His handwriting in a blueberry bush.

Another blueberry blessing to you,
CeeCee

Related articles

• A Guide to Growing Your Own Berries! (berries.com)
• Blueberry Lessons (mtsweat.com)