Thread: Blueberry
View Single Post
Old 01-07-2010, 01:00 PM   #23 (permalink)
Richard
un-Retired
 
Richard's Avatar
 
Location: Vista, CA
Zone: USDA 10b
Name: Richard
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,674
BananaBucks : 545,836
Feedback: 9 / 100%
Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times
Was Thanked 12,543 Times in 4,721 Posts
Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times
Default Re: Blueberry

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bananaman88 View Post
Alex,

In our area, due both to high pH soils and lack of drainage, I think you'd be better off growing them in large pots or whiskey barrels. You can control your soil conditions much better that way.
That's the recommended approach from nurseries and most people succeed with it. Note that the southern 'highbush' and 'rabbit eye' varieties are happy with pH in the range 5.5 to 6.0, while the northern and European species of Vaccinium thrive on a lower pH of 5.0.

Products sold as 'Hydrangea Blueing' are usually ammonium sulfate with a buffer. Great for lowering the pH. Granularized sulfur also works but watch out -- it is slow release and can come on strong as time passes. Be sure to get an inexpensive pH meter (~$15) and check the soil prior to adding more acidifier.
__________________
Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

Last edited by Richard : 01-07-2010 at 01:01 PM. Reason: punctuation
Richard is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Richard
Said thanks: