Another growing medium that works well is a mix of two parts coir (shredded coconut husks used in the greenhouse industry), two parts sphagnum peat moss and one part perlite. When growing containerized blueberries, closely monitor growing medium moisture levels. Acidic soil is a must. The bushes are compact, the roots are shallow and the production is abundant under the right growing conditions. Collected rainwater is ideal for watering, and typically is not as ‘hard’, nor has as high of a pH as well water. 2. What to Plant with Blueberries. Since blueberries don’t like Houston soils (too alkaline and heavy), we highly recommend growing in containers or raised beds where you have total control of the soil mix. Growing Blueberries In Containers To start growing blueberries in containers, you’ll need a variety of blueberry bush that stays small. Quick facts about growing blueberries. If using drip irrigation, place two emitters in each pot on either side of a plant. Spacing and planting blueberries. When selecting blueberry plants, choose half-high bush cultivars as they are hardier in Wisconsin, and are relatively short in stature. How do I overwinter my blueberry plants? Some good varieties for containers include: 'Dwarf Northblue', a mid-season bush that grows 20 to 24 inches A combination of supplemental liquid and slow-release acid fertilizers is recommended. Step 1: … Fill a five-gallon container with whichever mix you decide to use, and plant a single blueberry plant in the container. Dave Wilson Nursery recommends this method for growing blueberries in the home garden. As mentioned earlier, blueberries thrive well in acidic soils. Highly alkaline soils that are clay or high in organic matter can be amended by adding large amounts of sulfur to lower the pH, but will require repeated amendments over time to maintain an ideal pH. Plant your blueberry bush in a container no smaller than 2 gallons, preferably bigger. What cultivar of blueberry should I use? But if you think this means you have to plant a huge orchard or bramble patch, guess again. How do I properly fertilize my blueberry plants? Keep reading to learn about how to grow blueberries in pots. Blueberries are notoriously fussy about soil pH. Fill a five-gallon container with whichever mix you decide to use, and plant a single blueberry plant in the container. Standard blueberry bushes can reach heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters), which is awfully tall for a container plant. Growing acid-loving blueberries in containers, with an acid potting soil mix or a 50-50 mix of peat and potting soil, is a simple solution to that problem. For more information on growing blueberries in containers: Contact your county Extension agent. You can plant blueberry bushes as close as 2 or 2.5 feet apart to form solid hedgerows, or space them up to 6 feet apart so they grow individually. With just a little effort, home gardeners can successfully grow blueberries in containers. One of the most critical factors for successful blueberry production is providing an ideal soil pH in the range of 4.5 to 5.0. Blueberries are relatively easy to look after. Read on for more information about what to plant with blueberries. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Sign up for our newsletter. Vijai Pandian, UW-Extension Brown County and Rebecca Harbut, UW-Madison Horticulture Revised: 12/9/2010 Item number: XHT1196. The hardest part of growing blueberries in Houston is managing the soil. To be successful growing blueberries in containers, choose a variety that has smaller bushes. Apply slow-release acid fertilizers (e.g., elemental sulfur) four weeks after planting in the first year and then top dress the growing medium surface lightly the following spring. Later in the autumn, but before the snow, mulch with 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) of straw and cover the plant with a burlap bag. Rather than treating your soil to lower its pH, as many gardeners would have to do, it’s a lot easier to plant your blueberry bushes in containers whose pH you can set from the beginning. Growing blueberries in containers are so easy and effective that you may want to give it a try even if you have enough room for a garden in the soil for this antioxidant-rich fruit. In order to thrive, Blueberries require low pH and actively decomposing soil. Growing blueberries in pots. How do I prepare the growing medium? Plant your blueberry bush in a container no smaller than 2 gallons, preferably bigger. Plants won't have much fruit the first 2 to 3 years. Soil should drain well. Sphagnum Moss Vs. Sphagnum Peat Moss: Are Sphagnum Moss And Peat Moss The Same, Zone 4 Blueberries – Types Of Cold Hardy Blueberry Plants, Soil Prep For Blueberry Plant: Lower Soil pH For Blueberries, Indoor Hellebore Care – How To Grow A Hellebore Plant Indoors, Winter Pruning Guide – Learn About Cutting Back Plants In Winter, Winter Patio Plants - Growing Outdoor Winter Containers, Overgrown Container Plants: Tips For Repotting A Large Plant, Lemon Tree Pruning: When Is The Best Time To Prune Lemon Trees, Eucalyptus Tree Problems: How To Avoid Eucalyptus Tree Root Damage, Rose Cane Gall Facts: Learn About Cynipid Wasps And Roses, Fresh-Cut Pine Tree Smell: Perfect Christmas Tree Memories, Norfolk Island Pine - The Perfect Christmas Tree, Winter Survival Guide: Creative Ways To Garden In Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees. The placement of the blueberry slices will be on the top of the soil inside your container. Contrast the blueberry’s warm, fall foliage color with spunky fall flowers like asters and mums. You can also go for wine or whiskey barrels, buckets, and large tubs. Raised beds or patio containers are good options for areas where the soil is not ideal. Mulch the soil surface with four to eight inches of straw in mid-November or cover the bushes with burlap. Avoid dark plastic containers, as this can overheat the roots. Take care to keep the plants at the same depth as they were previously planted. If you want to learn how to grow blueberries in containers properly, there are a few things you need to remember. Immediately water the pot thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air gaps around … You can start blueberry plants in five-gallon containers, but after a year or two, you may want to move your blueberry plants to 20-inch pots. Position the containers in an area that receives full sun. Grow Blueberries In Containers Blueberries are a perfect berry choice for growing in containers. Can I grow blueberries in a pot? Even if they say you don’t need a pollinator, grow at least 2. Smart Pots are made in the USA and are BPA and lead free, which is important when you’re growing food. Because of this, you should subtract one number from your local hardiness zone when considering buying a container grown blueberry. As the plant matures, repot it in a larger container (e.g., a 16 or 20 inch pot) or in a barrel, once again filled with the acidic soilless growing medium of your choice. Blueberries need full sun. Buried containers can be left in ground for over-wintering. Water occasionally. Then sprinkle a good layer of potting mix right on top of the seeds. When your soil is not suitable for growing blueberries, growing in containers is your best option! Frequent, light watering is ideal, with an occasional ‘drench’ to eliminate soil salts. To prepare an acidic soilless growing medium, use a mix of one part sphagnum peat moss and one part shredded pine bark. Fertilize in spring using an acid-forming azalea/camellia fertilizer at the rate specified on the label. With a little care, … Top Hat and Northsky are two common varieties that grow to only 18 inches (.5 meters). Plants in containers need more frequent watering than those in the ground. If you live in a warmer climate but still want to grow delicious blueberries...you're in luck. First off, blueberries are acid-loving plants and it’s easier to monitor the soil pH in a pot. Peat moss works well as a planting-mix additive to maximize growth. For comparison, blueberries require quite acidic soil around pH 4.5-5.5. One way around this is to grow your blueberries in containers. Plant the blueberries into the containers at the same level they were in their nursery containers. Because containers do not provide adequate insulation from the cold, be sure to protect container-grown blueberries during the winter to prevent root damage. Don’t allow it to dry out between waterings. You can be successful planting blueberries in pots, as long as you have a sunny location and use acidic potting soil. Know that growing blueberries in pots […] Blueberries are ideal for growing in containers. Depending on the container, consider planting more than one blueberry … Therefore, attempting to lower soil pH may not be a viable option for backyard gardeners who have an elevated soil pH. Preferred soil: The acidic soil that helps these blueberries thrive is mostly found in East Texas. During early to mid-spring, remove containers from the ground and place them in full sun. Blueberries are popular in home gardens because they can grow in a small space, even in containers. Avoid dark plastic containers, as this can overheat the roots. Absolutely! Make sure to give your plant plenty of acid. Mix all ingredients well. Most varieties of blueberries will want the pH level of the soil to be 4.5 to 5.5. Harvest is bigger after 5 years. Another way to reduce heat stress and water loss is to bury containers in the ground. The bushes are compact, the roots are shallow and the production is abundant under the right growing conditions. How much water will my blueberry plants need? Sunshine Blue gets 3 feet tall and has bright pink flowers; a very popular variety. The best way to overwinter your blueberry plant is to bury the container in the ground in mid-autumn in a spot that’s out of the wind and likely to experience a buildup of snow. You can start with a slightly smaller container and allow the plant to grow until it fills it, then transplant the blueberry into a larger container. Avoid overapplying fertilizers, as blueberry roots are sensitive to fertilizer salt injury. Caring for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in containers over winter is easy. Cloud’, ‘Polaris’, ‘Chippewa’, ‘Northland’, and ‘North Country’. In our video, Growing Blueberries, Tricia creates a container soil mix of half organic potting soil and half Coco Peat (a sustainable alternative to peat moss). How to grow blueberries in containers. Alternatively, store it in an unheated building, like a barn or garage, with occasional watering. Most blueberry cultivars are self-fruitful and do not require another cultivar for cross pollination (‘St. Blueberry roots are small and shallow, and while they need lots of moisture, they don’t like sitting in water. Prevent rabbit damage by placing chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around the bushes. Cloud’ and ‘Polaris’ are exceptions). In fact, they are one of the easiest berries to grow in containers. While most garden plants prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline soil, blueberries like acidic soil. Low bush cultivars have a dwarf (i.e., maximum 12 inch height) and spreading growth habit and typically produce smaller fruit. Alternatively, containers can be left buried in the soil as long as the containers have proper drainage holes and the site where the containers are buried is well drained and exposed to full sun. Plants can thrive and bear fruit in containers in any area that receives full sunlight. You just get more berries that way. Ensure the soil stays at pH of 5.5 or lower, to avoid problems. Container blueberry bushes can be grown outdoors or indoors in minimal space and will put on quite a colorful show from spring through fall. Make sure the containers have drainage holes. Growing blueberries in containers is a relatively easy process, but there are some things to keep in mind beforehand to ensure your success. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Containers: Blueberries have roots that spread about three to four feet wide. The blueberry is a wonderful fruit rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and vitamin E. Due to its popularity, there is a growing interest among gardeners to plant blueberries in backyard gardens. I recommend growing the Northern Low Bush Top Hat Variety as well as the Southern Highbrush Sunshine Blue variety in containers. In mid- to late October, bury containers in the ground at a site where snow is likely to accumulate and where plants will be protected from cold winter winds. With these tips, you’ll get the best fruits possible. Whether you’re gardening on a patio, rooftop, or balcony, following these universal tips will mean that you to have healthy, bountiful plants year after year. Connect with your County Extension Office », Find an Extension employee in our staff directory », Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy | Discrimination and Harassment Complaints | Disability Accommodation Requests | Civil Rights. A main benefit of container gardening is the ability to control soil type and nutrients. Blueberries need moist, fertile, well-drained soil that's decidedly on the acid side, around pH 4.5. Blueberry shrubs grow happily in small groups and also work well in a hedge row. Standard blueberry bushes can reach heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters), which is awfully tall for a container plant. If you can’t find the right product, mix a fertilizer for acid-loving plants into the potting mix. Water plants with rainwater, not tap water, unless you have no alternative in a drought. You’ll need to pick blueberry plant companions that share a blueberry’s love for acidic soil. This is important because blueberries need acidic soil. Planting Blueberries in Containers. Blueberries are ideal for containers - they need an acid soil and you can provide for this more easily if you grow them in a pot rather than in the open ground. The best containers for growing blueberries are Smart Pots, which are durable fabric planters that are weather-resistant, UV resistant, and extremely durable. Mulch the soil surface with two inches of pine bark or chipped hardwood bark to conserve moisture. Therefore, try to maintain a moist, but not wet/soggy, growing medium. You can plant in containers with a low-pH, soilless planting mix. You can always start small by growing berries in containers, which is simpler than it may sound. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Large pots, between 16-22 inches deep, are going to be perfect for growing blueberries. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Highbush blueberries would prefer to be planted in well-prepared soil in the ground but with proper … Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Put a little of your growing medium in the base, then place your bare root or pot grown blueberries in your new pots or containers, taking care to keep the plants upright and at the centre of the container. In most areas, it’s ideal to plant blueberries in the fall or spring. Another good mix is 50/50 sphagnum peat moss and shredded pine bark. Tap water will raise the pH level and blueberries like acidic conditions. The container size also depends on the variety of blueberries you are growing. In general however, growing more than one blueberry cultivar will improve pollination and enhance yield and berry size. Just follow these simple steps and you can harvest handfuls of super-sweet berries from your own container-grown blueberry plant. When selecting the variety of blueberry you’re going to grow, it’s important to pick a dwarf or half-high variety. Blueberry plants grow slowly and reach full size in 8 to 10 years. Container blueberry bushes can be grown outdoors or indoors in minimal space and … Soil Requirements. As the plant matures, repot it in a larger container (e.g., a 16 or 20 inch pot) or in a barrel, once again filled with the acidic soilless growing medium of your choice. Avoid using black containers for planting blueberries as such containers absorb heat leading to more rapid moisture loss. Plant two or more varieties for successful pollination. You can also select low bush blueberry cultivars such as ‘Top Hat’ (hardy to zone 5) for container production. Give your plant frequent light waterings or invest in a drip irrigation system. They’re also great for growing potatoes, as I learned earlier this year. Prevent roots from freezing and cold winds from drying out the plant’s branches with just a … Make sure you follow the recommended rates described on the fertilizer label.Slow-release fertilizers will typically need to be supplemented periodically (usually every two weeks) with more fast-acting acidic liquid fertilizers (e.g., Miracid) when the blueberry plants are actively growing during the spring through mid-summer. Some popular half-high cultivars recommended for Wisconsin (i.e., hardy in zones 3 though 5) are ‘Northblue’, ‘Northsky’, ‘St. Use a brand name potting mix (not top soil or garden soil). Make sure to give your plant plenty of acid. Blueberries do not like to have ‘wet feet’, but insufficient moisture can also be a problem. Berries planted in the ground need less care; just add a two to three inch blanket of mulch to keep them warm. Blueberry bushes need very acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 5. Water quality is as important for growing blueberries as the composition of the growing medium. A fun way to go, is to plant in the largest container your space and pocketbook allows, and fill in around the blueberry with annual flowers for a classic container look. Leave the soil level an inch or so down from the lip of the container. Top Hat and Northsky are two common varieties that grow to only 18 inches (.5 meters). An alternate option for producing blueberries is to grow them in a container filled with an acidic soilless growing medium. Plant the Blueberries. This is your planting depth. 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