essay originate blueberries in containers so you could well move them around in your backyard , on your deck of cards , or on your patio .
1. Plant More Than One
Bees are necessary topollinate blueberry bush blossom so that the yield develops . Good cross pollenation maximize fruit production and this is best achieved when you plant at least two or three plant , each one a different variety . It ’s very important that your varieties flower at the same time so the bees can inspect when the flowers are ready to be pollinated . For best results , place your container gardens within a few feet of each other .
2. Choose the Right Containers
Plant justone blueberry bush per large weather - proof containerwith good drainage . It should be about 20 to 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches extensive to accommodate the works ’s root scheme . A one-half whiskey drum with good drain holes is idealistic . If you plan to move the plant to a protect location for winter , you may want to go with something light system of weights such as plastic or resin container . And think investing in a plant dolly .
If you ’re growing edible plants on a flat open such as a patio or driveway , place the containers on bricks or pot metrical foot to ensure excess water can break loose through the drainage gob .
3. Prepare the Perfect Soil
Blueberries need acidic soil to thrive , ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.0 . They also require one that is moisture retentive but drains well . Here are three alternative for your container mix :
Whichever recipe you expend , mix the ingredients well and dampen it . Tease the ascendent of your blueberry asunder to boost their counterpane and come in it in the container that is partially filled with your arise mixture . add up more of your mixing , being deliberate that the plant sits at the same profoundness it was growing in its baby’s room container . Water well .
4. Select a Sunny Site
Blueberries are most fertile if theygrow in full sun(at least 6 to 8 hour of direct sunlight per mean solar day ) . In part with very warm summer , they will apprize a act of afternoon ghost . Although these berry - producing plants will grow in part shade , they will behave much less fruit .
If the spot where you are growing your Berry is exposed to wind , you may need to move them to a protect spot in late downfall because plants can be desiccated by wintertime winds . If moving them is not a possibility , you may protect them by enclose them loosely with gunny .
5. Fertilize with an Acidic Fertilizer
Use a fertilizerformulated for Lucy in the sky with diamonds - loving plants . This will avail maintain the ideal pH in the soil . deflect fertilizer that contain nitrate or chlorides . Apply in early spring before the leaves expand allot to the label directions .
6. Water Deeply and Regularly
Blueberries detest to dry out out , so it ’s important to water them on a regular basis . The dirt should be kept evenly moist . This may mean you need to check on these Chuck Berry - producing plants several times a week , especially during the oestrus of summertime . But do n’t overwater them or their radical may rot in constantly soggy soil . Be indisputable your containers have good drainage .
Mulching the aerofoil of your container with anorganic mulch such as pine needles or shredded barkwill help prevent vapor and maintain more even soil moisture .
7. Protect Fruit with Bird Netting
Although you wo n’t be harvest for the first class or two , by the third year your blueberries should produce a decent crop . But as the berries begin to ripen , your local razzing universe will take notice . bird love blueberries ! To forbid their feasting on your long - awaited craw , cover each bush with bird gauze or a lightfloating course coverbefore the Berry ripen . While this is a bit of a nuisance when you require to gather your berries for a dessert , it ’s the best way to ensure there will , in fact , be berries to harvest . Once theharvest seasonis over , remove the netting or cover and put it away until next year .
8. Prune in Late Winter or Early Spring
After their third or quaternary twelvemonth in the container , your blueberries will probablyneed some pruning . This should be done before new growth begins . Using clean lopper , remove any dead and weak wood . Also hit branches that rub against each other or are awkwardly rate . you’re able to remove up to a third of the flora without damaging it . This energize increment and open up the works up to more sunlight and atmosphere circulation .
Frequently Asked Questions
It ’s best to remove any berries that start to develop the first or 2nd twelvemonth of increment . The third year you could expect a minor harvest . By the fifth year , these yield - producing plant should be in full production .
Yellow leaves usually point that the soil pH is too high . To lower the pH to the idealistic 4.5 to 5.0 reach , apply a soil acidifier and be sure that the fertilizer you use is intended for acid - loving plants .
Credit: Laurie Black
