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I have 4 highbush blueberry bushes. They are planted in the spot where a spruce tree once was. I know that blueberries need acidic conditions (which is why they are in that spot), but what is the best PH for them? Also, only one of the 4 bushed produced berries last year (they have only been there for 2 years). I'm wondering if I don't have the right varieties to cross pollinate? Deb
Good spot, good choice of plants. If they leaf out well and if they set flowers, pH is fine and no point worrying about it. If you can topdress with good compost or even manure, that helps since BBerries are fairly heavy feeders. You simply have to give them time. And keep the birds away.
Strawbs prefer a less acidic soil, it may work but it would not be ideal. If space is an issue, you may want to create a "hill" of rich soil, sorta like an elevated circle, plant the strawbs in that higher bump and mulch with straw.
I'm thinking of planting some blueberries this year, but I may have to move them to a different spot next year or the year after. Will this just interrupt the berry production or seriously damage the plant. Do blueberries tolerate being moved or are they kind of cranky? Also, I would like to plant a Huckleberry bush or two amongst the blues, will they cross-pollinate?
*We don't own the earth, we borrow it from our children*
Posts: 74 | Location: Zone 8, PDX Oregon | Registered: February 11, 2002
Hmmmm. High Bush Bberries take a while to establish and have quite a root structure, so transplanting them may create shock and resulting decrease in fruit setting, yup. I moved one a couple of years ago to what I thought was a better spot for MY purposes - the plant did not agree since the new location does not get as much sun. Risky, Keli. Can you plant them in a "pit" filled with loose composted acidic soil and move the whole thing (that's a 2 person job)
Never tried Huckles, tried a couple of High Bush Cranberries nearby Bberries and saw no particular cross/p evidence, mostly because the 2 plants are in bloom at different times. The Cran also likes acidic soil, I dunno about the Huckles.
My main concern about the Huckleberries is that they are likely to bloom at the same time and they are a very close relative of high bush Bberries(to my understanding). What if I plant the blues in a large container and sink that into the ground? Maybe I should just wait until I have a good spot prepared and then plant- I'm just getting impatient I guess.
Thanks for all of the info!
*We don't own the earth, we borrow it from our children*
Posts: 74 | Location: Zone 8, PDX Oregon | Registered: February 11, 2002
I'm confused why you are concerned about cross polination. Cross polination, even if it is possible, will not affect the fruit. If it is possible, it would affect the seeds in the fruit. So, unless you are trying to propogate blueberries by seed it shouldn't be a concern.
The container idea is an option. In fact, if you do not have the ideal acidic soil, it will make it easier to acidify the soil if it is in a sunken container. You will have to be careful that it doesn't become root bound in the container. That could reduce vigor and production.
I am also growing blueberries in a new garden. I also have access to rabbit manure. Will the blueberries like it? If so, how much and how often? Is burning an issue?
I am also growing blueberries in a new garden. I also have access to rabbit manure. Will the blueberries like it? If so, how much and how often? Is burning an issue?
My wife and I also have rabbits, and I have been incorporating the rabbit litter into my compost piles. I guess it all depends on what you use for their litter.
Our rabbits are indoor companions that live in cages most of the time. We use a combination of kiln dried pine litter and corn cob litter. The pine litter looks like saw dust once wet. If it is like sawdust, it will have acidic properities. In this case acid is what you want. I don't know what the pH is for the manure and urine. I am a little concerned about the salt content of the urine since two of our rabbits are avid salt lickers. If you are using any wood based product, it may have acidic properities, paper included. Unless it is wood ashes which is alkaline.
If the rabbits are in an outside hutch, then you do not have to worry about the litter issue.
