The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Fruit => Topic started by: Liz M on May 24, 2012, 10:16:57 am

Title: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Liz M on May 24, 2012, 10:16:57 am
I have tried in the polytunnel, in a pot outside and in the ground.  I have used acid feeds and I have used manure at the start of the year.  All has failed. Has anyone the knack?? Please help, I love blueberries! 
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: doganjo on May 24, 2012, 10:23:02 am
My sympathy - I've tried and failed too!  Also cranberries.  Anyone have an answer?
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: deepinthewoods on May 24, 2012, 10:34:23 am
ericaseous(?) compost and a big pot!
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Liz M on May 24, 2012, 11:07:08 am
Aaah thank you,  tried the ericaceous feed, but not the compost -  the leaves just seem to wilt and go brown
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: doganjo on May 24, 2012, 11:47:52 am
Mine were in ericaceous compost so not that. and watered correctly too.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: sabrina on May 24, 2012, 11:52:57 am
I have mine in a pot in the pollytunnel, Every Spring I top up the pot with a mixture of compost and well rotted horse manure. Covered in flowers at the moment.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Fleecewife on May 24, 2012, 12:37:17 pm
I have 4 all outside.  The three which were accidentally strimmed  ::)  have taken a while to grow back but the other one produces as many as we can eat.  It's growing in ordinary, normal pH soil, with lots of added manure (not compost)  I was thinking of giving it flowers of sulphur this winter to keep the acidity up.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 24, 2012, 12:39:14 pm
In the wild they love really wet places, especially the cranberries, so loads of muck to hold the moisture and plenty water, I'd say, as well of course as the acid environment.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: doganjo on May 24, 2012, 12:52:33 pm
Thanks, everyone, I'll give it another go.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Liz M on May 24, 2012, 02:38:30 pm
Yep from me as well - I better go out and get a 3rd one!! Wish me luck!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Lesley Silvester on May 24, 2012, 11:55:40 pm
Mine are doing very well in loads of goat manure.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Beewyched on June 10, 2012, 08:19:45 pm
Remember to only water them with rainwater - the stuff in the tap upsets the ph balance.
Title: Re: Why can't I grow blueberries?
Post by: Factotum on June 10, 2012, 08:51:40 pm
Depends what comes out of your tap - our well is supplied by water filtering through from a peat moor above our fields - very acid, it turns our shower tray blue from the copper in the pipes...