The sweetest, best-tasting blueberries come from highbush blueberry, which happens to be the blueberry shrub recommended for Ohio, according to the article “Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden” found at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1422.   Blueberries are believed to be one of the first fruit-bearing plants to be discovered by early populations after the last ice age.  The shrubs grow 6 to 12 feet tall and wide (another common name is tall huckleberry) with glossy, dark green leaves that turn brilliant red, orange, yellow, or purple in fall. Every home garden would benefit from this attractive ornamental that is also a healthy food source for humans and wildlife.  
 
As a member of the heath family (Ericaceae), highbush blueberry has specific growing requirements, including acidic, sandy, well-drained soil. For soils with high loam or clay content, it’s recommended to grow the plants in raised beds for better water drainage. Clay soil may also be amended with organic matter and sand to help the roots penetrate the soil. Weekly watering during the growing season is necessary for good yields of high-quality fruit, and moist soil should be maintained into late summer after harvest because the flower buds develop on new shoots the year prior to flowering/fruiting. Full sun is crucial--shade will produce u