Blueberries
16 May 2010 7 Comments
in Garden Design, Garden Fruits, Living Healthy, Vegetable/ Herb Garden Tags: blueberries in containers, Growing blueberries, nadia's san diego garden blog, organic gardening, WIne barrel containers
Blueberries have specific requirements for a successful harvest and following just a few simple steps can make blueberry gardening very rewarding. 
1. Blueberries need acidic soil of 4.5-5.0 meaning a low pH. Purchasing Azalea Mix/Soil is the perfect blend for growing blueberries. Acidic soil is crucial for fruit production.
2. Buy more than one variety because blueberries need to be cross pollinated. Make it simple by placing several different varieties in one container.
3. Deep water once per week in the dry season, otherwise keep evenly moist.
4. Choose varieties that grow well in Southern California with low chilling requirements: Southern Highbush, Sunshine Blue and Misty Blue are several examples that will work well. These are low growers and make a great ornamental shrub.
5. Place a nice thick layer of mulch on the top soil. I use the Mulch Block made up of coconut husks.
6. Six plus hours of sun per day unless they are in a very hot and sunny area, if the leaves start to burn at the tips move it to an area that gets partial shade. 
I used two halved wine barrels for the containers and drilled holes at the bottom for good drainage. One barrel contains three bushes and the other one across the garden path has a large single bush. It’s almost mid-May and the bushes are already producing super sweet and plump berries. I tried blueberries several years ago and was not aware of the acidic soil requirements and as a results it was a failure. I was also not aware of choosing more than one variety for cross-pollination. This year following the above steps is turning out to be much more successful.
Blueberries are considered an antioxidant/super foods - this might just be the quintessential plant to get into the garden this year!
Thank you for your visit- has your garden inspired you today?
www.nadiaknows.com
May 16, 2010 @ 15:18:40
The soil does make a difference. Too bad the nurseries don’t put signs up to notify buyers about this crucial element, could have saved me money in the past. A little research with gardening goes a long way.
May 16, 2010 @ 15:22:51
there is a saying that “gardeners rarely make the same mistake twice” in the garden that is… most of gardening is learned by trial and error. Maybe that’s why gardening teaches us patience!
May 16, 2010 @ 20:22:20
Great blog!
I love blueberries, and will try growing some in my porch before it gets TOO hot. Thanks.
Take care :~)
May 18, 2010 @ 08:51:30
the wine barrel containers are cool- makes a nice look with the natural wood and the wider opening at the top.
May 22, 2010 @ 01:20:01
Thanks for the encouraging comment – maybe one day I’ll master blueberry growing as well – I love blueberries!
May 25, 2010 @ 07:43:46
One day, when I grow up, I want a garden! Will you help me?
May 25, 2010 @ 08:52:07
Count on it! CAN’T WAIT