How to Grow a Blueberry Bush

[lazy gardener]

I think they may surprise you, and rise up from the stubble better than they were before. I had mice shear one of my dwarf lilacs right to the ground last winter. And that thing grew back very nicely. Of course, it didn't bloom, but it sure did grow back nicely!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THank you for sharing this clever method. Now I will have to look for those type bushes. I just thought they were a little weird ; now I k now they have a propagation purpose. Thank you again for sharing!!

Our four new-to-us blueberry bushes are really suffering this winter - too cold with not enough snow cover to insulate them. Also, the bunnies found them last week and ate one entirely to the ground! Eep! Two larger bushes are just fine (I think), but two are in doubt as to their survival, especially the one eaten to the snow line.

What's the chances of these bushes surviving?

When it's not -20 outside, I'm going out to stake a hardware cloth enclosure around them (if I can push the t-posts in well enough).

I think any covering might help if it is the deer. If your snowline is ligh , then mostof the bush is protected. Have hope. You will need to be patient and see how they fair come spring and over the summer. BLueberries, based on the ones here, are very hardy.

 

[Arielle]

I think they may surprise you, and rise up from the stubble better than they were before. I had mice shear one of my dwarf lilacs right to the ground last winter. And that thing grew back very nicely. Of course, it didn't bloom, but it sure did grow back nicely!

You are in store for lots of flowers this year!!

 

[lazy gardener]

If the mice don't prune them again!

 

[vehve]

I would cover them with a layer of pine branches, maybe 8 inches thick. That will provide some extra insulation. Just remove the branches once it warms up.

 

[Arielle]

If the mice don't prune them again!

heeheee-- I didnt want to jinks it by mentioning those cute little vermin. Amazing the damage they can do!

 

[Highcotton]

There are topical powders that can be added to any soil to amend the pH.  A good gardening store should be able to help you.  I cant remember the addative at the moment.

Using raised beds is as good as any other method-- so go for it!!

Sulphur and or Pine Bark will lower the PH a soil test will tell how much you need and what other plant foods you need.

 

[Highcotton]

GOod to know. I've only lived in New England and I work with what I have. No sense fighting Mother Nature. 

Lime will adjust the acidity based on the plants you are trying to grow. It takes a while for lime to disolve and work so it is best to spread it in advance.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THanks Hagar-- this is where I dont have much patience. lol It does take a lot of time for that lime to have an effect. I have learned the hard way that the pH will not change at all if I do nothing. I have the bags of lime . . . . . still in the bag. lol FOrtunately blueberries LIKE the acidic soils. AND i just learned that sweet potatos also like acid soils!! According to an old copy of The Victory Garden. Apparently has fewer disease issues in the right soil.

 

[ronott1]

Lime will adjust the acidity based on the plants you are trying to grow. It takes a while for lime to disolve and work so it is best to spread it in advance.

Sulphur and or Pine Bark will lower the PH a soil test will tell how much you need and what other plant foods you need.

sulphur takes some time to work too right?