Garden

[pattypeep]

This is my first time planting blueberries. I needed something that could take full sun and wanted something that would provide fruit for us (and the birdies). I read up on how to plant, but wonder if anyone can give me some tips learned by your experience. TIA

[JustJazzmom]

I don't have experience growing blueberries but this is what we tell those who are going to plant them.

Make sure your soil has a pH test done on it; blueberries do well in very acidic soils-- like around 4.5 pH. The reason your soil needs a pH test is because when you fertilize the blueberries they can uptake the fertilizer best when the pH is at 4.5. Anything higher or lower than than and the plants have more difficulty accessing what you apply.

Second, for larger yields, plant two different cultivars so they can cross pollinate and give you more blueberries. If the plants are new, it may take a year or two for them to give a normal yield.

Always use bird netting over them once the flowers start to turn into berries. Birds love them and the netting deters them (a little).

Here is more info on growing blueberries:

http://nassau.cce.cornell.edu/resources/-blueberry-growing

[dex]

My plants love pine needles ,coffee grounds and lots of water.They produce really well in sunny spots with little care.

[fthunt]

I don't know about blueberries but I'm trying strawberries this year and I was reading on a Google article that "S" should NOT be planted where tomatoes and lots of other veggies have been planted in the last 3 years.  Has to do with possible diseases still in the soil from previous veggie plants - and could infect "S" plants. So I'm using planters with new soil.   Just a heads up for your berry farm!

[Kachina624]

I have a feeling they don't do well in very hot climates such as we have in the Southwest, Texas and other Gulf Coast States.  Never heard of anyone raising them here.  Maybe at higher altitudes in the mountains where it's cooler?