Growing blueberries

wbrebb · Joined: 29 Sep 2003 Posts: 11

Greetings all,

I picked up a little blueberry plant today from Home Depot. It is Tifblue Blueberry (vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue'). The tag says partial shade & it is very cold hardy. Any suggestions for planting? I have heavy clay soil (in the process of adding organic stuff to help over time). I would like to plant it in my backyard...eastern sun to early afternoon. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Take care!

Bluestem · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Posts: 169 Location: N. Texas

Where are you located? Tough to grow in heavy clay.

Scott-in-Texas · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject:

You need to make sure that the soil is on the acidic side for them to do well. That is why they grow so well in the Pacific Northwest and in east Texas; the soils are quite acidic in those parts of the world. Most clay soils are going to lean to the side of alkaline. Increase the acidity, improve the drainage with compost, lava sand and greensand and give them morning light, late afternoon shade and they should be happy. Cotton Burr compost would be a good choice here since it is more acidic than most others. :mrgreen:

wbrebb · Joined: 29 Sep 2003 Posts: 11

Sorry -- I always forget to put location; I'm in Keller/Ft Worth, TX. That sounds good about the cotton burr compost...would it be happier in a large pot instead of in the dirt?

Scott-in-Texas · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:43 pm Post subject:

I like to grow in the ground myself, in raised beds.