Blueberries are ideal plants for containers because it’s easy to control the soil conditions they like best. Start with a pot that’s at least 20-24 inches wide or larger.
Sun requirements: All fruiting plants, whether in a container or in the ground, produce the most berries in full sun. Provide at least six to eight hours or more of sun per day.
Water needs: Plants in containers need more water than plants in the ground. Because terra-cotta is a breathable material, plants in those containers dry out even faster than those planted in plastic or ceramic pots. In general, check the soil in your containers daily to be sure it stays moist but not wet. In windy or hot conditions, plants might even need watering twice a day. Before watering, insert your finger up to the first joint in the soil to determine whether water is needed.
Choose the right container: Always plant in a container with drainage holes. Roots allowed to stay in standing water will rot. Pour water over the soil until you see water running out of the drainage holes.
Planting tips: Choose a potting mix designed for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, or camellias. Look for a pH balance between 4.5 and 5.5.
Soil and fertilizer: Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants. Apply in early and late spring to promote growth and fruit production, then stop fertilizing for the year. Feel free to occasionally sprinkle used coffee grounds on the top of the soil around blueberry plants.
Pruning and other care: In early spring, prune any dead wood. Otherwise, blueberries need no other pruning unless you want to shape the plant.
Most blueberry plants need one to two other types of blueberry plants nearby for pollination. However, some varieties are self-pollinating, although they might produce better with more plants nearby.
If you live in a year-round warm climate, remember that blueberries need cold temperatures for a certain number of hours to produce fruit. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service to find varieties best suited for your climate.
In general, choose a container variety that is cold-tolerant to one hardiness Zone colder than the one you live in. ‘Sunshine Blue’ is a good variety for warmer climates; ‘Top Hat’ is good for cold regions.
Winter care: In regions with harsh winters, move the blueberry pots to an unheated garage, allowing the plants to go dormant but watering just enough to keep them alive. Return the pot to a sunny location after danger of frost passes. If you choose to leave the pot in place, insulate it with mulch for winter protection. Avoid using ceramic or terra-cotta pots outdoors year-round in cold climates as freeze-thaw cycles can crack those containers.
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
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