I'm confused why you wouldn't fill the large pot also with acid mix, since you plan to remove the small pot next year and put the plant right back into the hole the small pot made? Don't you want the outer soil to be an acid mix for the plant to grow into later?
Case study from Michigan. I bought several of those unfortunate plants that are wrapped in paper cylinders and jammed into tight fitting plastic sleeves at a large clearance price. Planned on planting in ground, but short on time I put them into pots with properly prepared soil and they LOVED IT. Massive growth, flowering, even saw a couple cute little berries squeezing out. Fall came and I wanted to get those well developed root systems in the ground before it froze, prepared the location soil, suffered through another miserable Michigan winter, and when they should have been popping with new leaves, they barely had a pulse in the lot of them. By the time I was able to repot them, they were beyond saving and I lost the game. Lesson learned the hard way - now I only grow them in containers where I can have 100% control of the soil.
@juliknapp9270 I do. I posed this same question on a forum and was told to leave them out because "nature knows best." Perhaps if they were in ground that would be true, but leaving them out in pots exposed to snow, ice and wind caused even more death. Two survived, and now they, along with replacements, get sheltered in a cheap harbor freight tall carport with a bunch of other potted plants. They still get exposed to cold to go dormant, and receive diffused light. I've been watering everything in there since the soil has thawed whereas the ground is still frozen in places.
My daughter brought one blueberry plant. I’m headed out to buy more so the grandbabies can harvest beautiful blueberries. Thanks for the great and timely advice!
Coffee grinds is a myth. They add great structure to your soil, but are no longer acidic. You remove the acidity when you brew coffee, and you can easily confirm by tasting them. They taste completely neutral, and will test close to a ph of 6-7.
Just by chance I bought a small blueberry plant last week. I’m so glad I stumbled on this post. Good information. I also was going to pot them. Hooray. Thanks a lot.
You didn't over-buy; you just bought faster than you're planting. Here in NC, we grow Rabbiteye blueberries which are suited to the Southeast and Southern Hemisphere. I planted mine in ground last fall and am very excited that they are covered in blooms now. Love the large pots you found, especially with the flowers in them.
For those who live up in Orange County, Lahaina Hills Nursery in Santa Ana, CA has an Acid Mix hat I’ve been using for years. It was formulated by the owner, Gary. If you’re in North San Diego County, I believe Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos carries it as well. It’s done wonders for my veggies and berries.
@Papi Rojo I know you meant "Laguna Hills Nursery" yes, Gary is great and so knowledgable. He holds a class saturday mornings for free, also on You Tube. His mix is wonderful. He explains why on you tube too.
Great timing we just dug up 3 bushes that have been in the same spot for 2-3 years and they’ve struggled. Was thinking of putting them in a pot now I probably will.
I bought two blueberry plants about 2 years ago. First year they were in pots, they weren't happy and last year I had them in a bed. Still not happy. I tried maiking the soil more acidic but it's a battle. I will try again this year to put them in pots and will not give up. ☺
Last year I potted 2 larger blueberry plants in larger containers. They did OK but I like the idea of double potting for the first year. Just purchased 2 more plants and will use this method this year. BTW I'm in zone 8. Thanks for the video!
These videos are a master class in plant culture. I always learn some new technique to tuck in the back of my mind, even if I have no desire to grow whatever the video is about. I also appreciate that you include your mistakes. I do primarily container gardening, and can't tell you how many times I've lost track of my drip emitters when potting up new plants! 🙂
Great info. I planted 4 last year in 1/2 wine barrels using the acid type soil. I’m glad to know about testing the soil. Mine already are starting to bloom.
I also thought that pine needles "amended " the soil acidic. However, after visiting my local extension office (W.S.U.), where they were doing a test on the acidity during the breakdown of pine needles. And the only time that they are acidic is when they are green. Once completely decomposed, they are neutral.
I noticed my Walmart selling 2 blueberry varieties together, but they also had combinations of bushes like blackberries and raspberries, and they also had strawberry combos.
I just bought 2 Chippewa blueberries and one Pink Lemonade. I have three huge handled pots that I bought evergreens in previously. Thank you for the video!
I have always wanted to grow blueberries, and even though or soil is acidic since I live in the south. I prefer to grow as much as I can in containers- since I'm a control freak when it comes to my plants! :) Thanks so much for sharing this video - I love the way you did your pot and I'm happy to steal your idea!
I have massive blueberry fields in my area. I don’t pick them anymore because it gets way to hot for me to be able to go out to pick them. Rows upon rows of blueberries, creating a shield from any wind that may be available to cool you down while picking. It was fun tough when I was younger! ❄️💚🙃
Your videos are very helpful. I live in New England and the pine needle method works very well for me. My blueberries are planted directly in the ground and I mulch around the plants with the pine needles. Seems to work for me every year.
Where I live in NC, the soil is acidic, very acidic. So, I just need to be careful of deer. I know I can put them in the ground, they grow wild out back in our woods, but hard to get to. Thank you for all these tips and tricks though. You are always so informative.
I have a Sunshine ☀ Blue that is 2 years old and doing fine in a pot. Great harvest last season. Yum!😊 Thanks for all the information. Central Florida.
Just check your hydrangeas with their flower color - blue or pink. The color of a hydrangea flower depends on the chemical makeup of the soil it is planted in. If the soil is high in aluminum and has a low (acidic) pH, the hydrangea flower will be blue. If the soil has either a high (alkaline) pH or is low on aluminum, the hydrangea flower color will be pink.
Great info about blueberries in pots … I’ve been thinking about it for the past few months since moving out in the country - zone 9a in deeeeeeep southeast Texas - and I’m going to make solid plans this year for blueberries next spring. I love your videos … keep going and growing!
Brian you have given me a great idea for repotting my tiny blueberry bushes in my inground garden. I have pots and I have dirt. Thanks so much for the idea.
Brian, I live in the west too. Our soil is alkaline, and SO IS OUR WATER. I planted blueberries in mostly peat moss, and thought I was good. However, I noticed that every time I watered, the plants looked worse. I thought it might be transplant shock and didn't figure it out until it was too late! I have read that it's possible to acidify water with a bit of vinegar. Wish I had known!
I have high alkaline clay soil, so have opted for pots. I have 7 plants, 3 bought locally (Sacramento, zone 9), 4 mature transported from Salem, OR (8b). Last year most of the plants produced some berries, despite small pots. This year I am transplanting to larger pots, using a homemade soil mix (peat moss, compost, sandy/loamy soil) and am trying Ammonium sulfate as well as vinegar water (1 Tbsp/gal) to acidify. Hoping for good outcome. So far our unusually cold weather hasn't frozen the blossoms on 2 early plants (not sure the variety, came from my sister's in OR). Also have 2 Dukes from her (later bloomers), Misty, Legacy and 1 other variety. (I labeled the 3 I bought locally last year...but 2 died by end of season, and the writing wore off the labels.🤷♀️)
Be careful with the vinegar bc I lost a rose tree last yr using it. I’m in west Tx, zone 8a (desert) and our soil and water is also VERY alkaline. My rose tree was suffering in a pot bc the soil was too alkaline and watering it just made it worse. I tried the vinegar and it was dead 3 days later. I have lots of roses planted in the ground, and they thrive, so I know I can grow great roses, but in a pot, it’s a different ball game. I will replant rose trees again this yr in my pots, but I will used a soil acidifier like Espoma instead of vinegar.
@@dianeleslie671 Good luck with that. If you look online, you might find a formula for how much vinegar to add according to how alkaline your water is. I saw it several years ago but didn't bookmark it. Also just occurred to me there are liquid hydroponic additives that might work.
🫐🌷Spring & Easter🐣🌱 vibes, love it! Looks great with the pine needles. Perfect timing per usual! I wanted to plant blueberries I got on clearance at the end of the season and didn't get to planting before winter here 😳 (columbus ohio) we have too much rain today and tmrw but next week I'm writing this all down to do. Thank youuuuu!
I’m zone 8b PNW; My bordering neighbor has a row of about 15 or so established blueberry bushes. I bought 2 varieties for my twin grandsons to keep them out of the neighbors blueberry bushes.😂 I heard of someone else planting in their hydrangeas, Azalea and rhododendron beds…which I also have throughout my yard. I do have some globe artichoke mixed in my beds that do very well and some I let flower… guests always ask what it is and are surprised when I tell them. We have lots of varieties of pine trees throughout as well. I hate cleaning up the long ‘V’ shaped pine needles. I have 3 golden doodles with curly fur and they are a pain to pick out of them and the shaggy carpet that they think is their turf to twinkle on. And they are cute and sneaky about it…they go behind the pool table.
My husband is an arborist and landscaper for over 40 years and here in St. Charles, Illinois AND when we moved recently to Michigan, he had always mulched trees and plants. Number 1. Hit does retain moisture and nutrients no matter where you live. Number 2. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk of a tree or bush, so that it doesn't girdle the tree or bush and kill it. 2 to 3 inches of mulch is best. Happy Planting and this is a nice job for the video although as Michelle said: It is a little confusing about the acid in the soil at the repotting. You could just plant acid loving perennials and leave it at that. Right?
Fantastic suggested video for UA-cam. I am currently building planters for our blueberries. I noticed the “Walter anderson” label. I’m in SD as well. You’ve got a new subscriber.
Love the double pot idea and will do that this year! I have the big pots and 1 gal blueberries. I bought 2 last year and didn't realize they should be different varieties. Guess I will buy another big pot and another variety of blueberries.
I saw the drip stuff in the hardware store but never seen it used. More videos showing how to do a system of many planters would be useful. And yes, I wondered why you buried the line after saying not to. 😂
For those beginners who want to grow blueberries in buckets: 01. Bucket 55l (15 gallon) 02. Soil from a pine forest 03. Mix the soil with pieces of sticks and pine bark 04. Pine bark mulch Purchased soil is dead soil. No doubt. Purchased fertilizer is not as good as slowly decaying sticks with pine bark. They gradually give the blueberries nutrients. If you really want to take care of the blueberry, it is a good idea to let pieces of pine bark stand in water for several weeks. As soon as the water "rusts", it also has a low ph, then water them. If you have blueberries in black buckets, they will heat up a lot in the sun and the roots will suffer. Either use white buckets or simply paint the black ones white or wrap them in paper or aluminum foil. One last piece of advice: the more varieties of blueberries, the more fruit you will have. Failure is not possible with this procedure
I sure wish I had this last year. I planted my blueberry in a huge pot last spring and filled it with exspemsive acidic soil. I’m looking at it right now and it’s not doing much. Barely any leaves on it. I think I need to try again and take notes from this video. Thanks the info!
Wish I had known this last year. 😕 Didn't think to double pot my plants. Ah well, they're doing ok so far. My plants are about the same size as yours. Can you do an episode on pruning blueberry bushes? When and how? Also, how to winterize them (zone 5b) and how often do I need to water in winter, if at all? Thanks!
Love your video! This was just what I was looking for! Easy to understand and I now want to use drip tubing which I never really thought about. Thank you!
I am brand new to gardening and really love your channel Brian, thank you. I live on edge of Zone 9AB and as such, I have been also looking very closely at wicking raised beds and wicking barrels. It's not uncommon for us to only cool down to 80° at night very very soon, So I would love to hear some thoughts on drip versus wicking irrigation for people like me that are trying to garden in an oven. 😂
Making pine needle compost tea (and having a feeder tube into the irrigation system) one can them drip-irrigate the acidity into the water that irrigates the blueberry and flowers.
Thank for the pot size tip. I’ve seen so many videos of potting a tiny plant in a huge pot. Its fine, i guess but then you risk the excess soil holding water for way too long.
Be careful with the weed and feed especially if you are planting edibles. I have found the best way to remove lawn is first by smothering. A cheap dark tarp from somewhere like Harbor Freight the size of your area you are wanting to plant. Lay the tarp on the area and then put something with weight on the perimeter (like logs, bricks, stones. The black will absorb the heat and literally begin cooking the lawn/weeds. Not sure how long of a process this would be but it is much safer than any spray. Hope this helps.
I have pink lemonade blueberry cuttings planted in pot last year. Now have a few buds. Love to see how yours turn out in the summer. Thanks for sharing.
Unless you plan bringing them indoors for the winter, it's a no go. The plants will freeze above ground in pots and dead come spring. Ground planting hands down. Soil temperature will save the bush
If you have hard water like we do in San Diego, those soaker hoses will clog up and stop working in 3-6 months. I found out when my plants were wilted and I checked the soil and it was dry. Manufacture recommend drip lines instead.
@Next Level Gardning My blueberries are blooming now - early March, in Israel. They are of course in large pots. Regarding drainage, in large pots and in a dry area, it is better to drill holes in the side of the pot and not in the bottom. This allows the holes to be cleaned if the holes are blocked by the roots of the plant and prevent the penetration of roots of plants from the environment. In a hot area, drilling holes on the side of the pot creates an internal bowl where the excess water from the irrigation is collected and the plant can absorb it back. In addition to that, I live in a very hot area, 8 months of summer, 2 months of transition-spring and autumn and 2 months of rainy winter. I have never had to put mulch on the soil of the pots, watering the pots daily is enough to keep the soil moist, especially when there are seasonal plants blooming around the main plant. They create a pleasant and cool environment for all plants.
So would it be good to use Rhodie n Azalea fertilizer for your Blueberries in containers I know they love Acidity soul too ?? I'm in PNW Washington thanks for sharing this information 👍
I was thinking of trying this since I have no idea where they will ultimately be put in ground. In New England we find wild blueberries under pine stands in the forest, often, even on rocky ledges! I wish I could find cultivated ones with the small berries, we preffer them for cooking. ( More berry flavor, hold thier shape better less watery when cooking) Thank you!
Definitely need the colder temps...we are in a warm climate but had some long colder times even an ice storm (treepocalypse) but the blueberry in large containers are flowering now almost spring
Can I add ash from my fireplace as acid to plant. I moved my blueberry bush from the front of my garden which it wasn't even producing into a container into the back of my home I live on the water and there's a beautiful breeze all summer long The plant flourished beautiful green leaves but no blueberries this season maybe because I transplanted it can you tell me if the plant will produce maybe next year?
Just saw your video on planting blueberries in pots. You stated there is 2 type of blueberries, high and low bush blueberries. Actually there is another grown a lot in the south. It is rabbiteye varieties.
Hmm, We just had 6" of snow but 100F is normal in summer. So far I've killed 2 varieties but perhaps in pots.i eat a lot of blueberries so will try again. Thanks for the acid reminder.
Might try this, but as far as heat, it is the 11th of June, 2023, and our temps are already near 100, did I mention I live in central Texas? Enjoyed your ideas though, could use for some of our Texas natives 👍👍👍
I'm just curious if it would be worthwhile to source crushed stone made from granite to place in the bottom of the pot. Wild blueberries usually grow where the bedrock is granite rather than limestone, since the granite makes the soil acid; limestone makes it alkaline. I have 4 low bush blueberries to plant this spring and I'm planning on putting them in a high raised bed so that I don't have to bend as far down to pick the berries since they are low bush. This video was very helpful. Thank you!
Is it really true that plants can tell the size of the container they are planted in to be cozy? Do plants desire to be planted in a container rather than the ground?
Putting rocks at the bottom of pots is sort of a gardening myth. They usually block holes more than help drain. Using a sponge is much better. It absorbs excess water, then releases it if the soil is dry.
I love the pot in pot to insulate idea. Very clever! I was wondering though - since the flowers aren’t going to root that deeply, why not fill the bottom 6” or so of the big pot with twigs or wood chips or something and save on soil? Just a thought.
There are up to (and more ...) 49 different blueberries that can be grown on the West Coat - high bush, low bush, different size fruits, early - mid - late. Just need to find what varieties work for you. Or plant successional varieties so that you are harvesting throughout the entire growing season for blueberries abundanza !!! One also needs to think of shading as blueberries are actually forest border berries - and they love partial sun, partial shade for their paper thin leaves. And don't overwater blueberries - they like moist (humid) soil - but not swampy or peaty sandy bog soil like cranberries.
Very informative video, thank you 😊. I’m wanting to plant blueberry bushes for the first time, and I was wondering what size were the 2 pots that u used in the video. I’m going to buy a couple of 2.5 quart pink icing plants for zone 6 and I have no idea the size of container to get.
Question regarding what you said about a pot being to large. I could see how it could be a watering issue with keeping it properly moist, however how can a pot be too big for a small plant to grow in when it would be the same as planting it in the ground. I would be more worried about roots being bound by smaller pots. Could you expound on your reasoning for this?
Brian always confused on drip system and how long I should be running it. So how long do you think you would be running your drip irrigation for that container?
Thank you for this video I want to do blueberry but want to have smaller bushes. I will be using pots. I live in Arkansas so what type of blueberries should I get? Super helpful video. Blessings ❤️🌺
Great timing with this video. I'm in Southern California and have had no success with blueberries. Wanted to try again using pots and here you posted a video. What size nursery pot is your inner pot? It looks like a 5 gallon but not sure.
I'm confused why you wouldn't fill the large pot also with acid mix, since you plan to remove the small pot next year and put the plant right back into the hole the small pot made? Don't you want the outer soil to be an acid mix for the plant to grow into later?
In a year the original acidity will probably be gone and I'll have to add the acidifier
@@NextLevelGardening can you tell us what ingredients are inside of an acidifier?
@@davidthedeafNon-organic typically uses Aluminum Sulfate. Organic products I think use elemental sulfur.
@@davidthedeaf usually sulphur
@@seattledanr5363 yup!
Case study from Michigan. I bought several of those unfortunate plants that are wrapped in paper cylinders and jammed into tight fitting plastic sleeves at a large clearance price. Planned on planting in ground, but short on time I put them into pots with properly prepared soil and they LOVED IT. Massive growth, flowering, even saw a couple cute little berries squeezing out. Fall came and I wanted to get those well developed root systems in the ground before it froze, prepared the location soil, suffered through another miserable Michigan winter, and when they should have been popping with new leaves, they barely had a pulse in the lot of them. By the time I was able to repot them, they were beyond saving and I lost the game. Lesson learned the hard way - now I only grow them in containers where I can have 100% control of the soil.
Do u put them in an unheated garage for the winter? I live in n missouri. Soil is pretty acidic but i struggle w them in the ground as well
@juliknapp9270 I do. I posed this same question on a forum and was told to leave them out because "nature knows best." Perhaps if they were in ground that would be true, but leaving them out in pots exposed to snow, ice and wind caused even more death. Two survived, and now they, along with replacements, get sheltered in a cheap harbor freight tall carport with a bunch of other potted plants. They still get exposed to cold to go dormant, and receive diffused light. I've been watering everything in there since the soil has thawed whereas the ground is still frozen in places.
My daughter brought one blueberry plant. I’m headed out to buy more so the grandbabies can harvest beautiful blueberries. Thanks for the great and timely advice!
Blueberries love coffee grinds and their best companions are the Azaleas.
You can hear them singing together at night.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN THEY SING 😮
@@TheLastDoseIt means that they’re happy together - not literal singing.
@@lulub9421 thank you , such a neat expression I'm saddened im just hearing it used like this
Coffee grinds is a myth. They add great structure to your soil, but are no longer acidic. You remove the acidity when you brew coffee, and you can easily confirm by tasting them. They taste completely neutral, and will test close to a ph of 6-7.
Just by chance I bought a small blueberry plant last week. I’m so glad I stumbled on this post. Good information. I also was going to pot them. Hooray. Thanks a lot.
Perfect
You didn't over-buy; you just bought faster than you're planting. Here in NC, we grow Rabbiteye blueberries which are suited to the Southeast and Southern Hemisphere. I planted mine in ground last fall and am very excited that they are covered in blooms now. Love the large pots you found, especially with the flowers in them.
That's great Debbie!
I live here in NC too. Haven't had any luck. Think I'll give Rabbit Eye a try. Thanks for info!!!
For those who live up in Orange County, Lahaina Hills Nursery in Santa Ana, CA has an Acid Mix hat I’ve been using for years. It was formulated by the owner, Gary.
If you’re in North San Diego County, I believe Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos carries it as well.
It’s done wonders for my veggies and berries.
@Papi Rojo I know you meant "Laguna Hills Nursery" yes, Gary is great and so knowledgable. He holds a class saturday mornings for free, also on You Tube. His mix is wonderful. He explains why on you tube too.
Great timing we just dug up 3 bushes that have been in the same spot for 2-3 years and they’ve struggled. Was thinking of putting them in a pot now I probably will.
I bought two blueberry plants about 2 years ago. First year they were in pots, they weren't happy and last year I had them in a bed. Still not happy. I tried maiking the soil more acidic but it's a battle. I will try again this year to put them in pots and will not give up. ☺
Last year I potted 2 larger blueberry plants in larger containers. They did OK but I like the idea of double potting for the first year. Just purchased 2 more plants and will use this method this year. BTW I'm in zone 8. Thanks for the video!
These videos are a master class in plant culture. I always learn some new technique to tuck in the back of my mind, even if I have no desire to grow whatever the video is about. I also appreciate that you include your mistakes. I do primarily container gardening, and can't tell you how many times I've lost track of my drip emitters when potting up new plants! 🙂
Great info. I planted 4 last year in 1/2 wine barrels using the acid type soil. I’m glad to know about testing the soil. Mine already are starting to bloom.
Great!
Hi Anne, did you plant more than one blueberry bush in a single barrel?
I’ve never tried drip irrigation mainly because I don’t know how. Glad you touched on it here, now need the rest of the hookup! Great info-thank you!
I also thought that pine needles "amended " the soil acidic.
However, after visiting my local extension office (W.S.U.), where they were doing a test on the acidity during the breakdown of pine needles. And the only time that they are acidic is when they are green. Once completely decomposed, they are neutral.
Very true. There is a huge misconception spread around pine needles.
Organic matter and clay actually buffer ph. The best is a mineral mix, peatmoss, and sulfur.
I noticed my Walmart selling 2 blueberry varieties together, but they also had combinations of bushes like blackberries and raspberries, and they also had strawberry combos.
I just bought 2 Chippewa blueberries and one Pink Lemonade. I have three huge handled pots that I bought evergreens in previously. Thank you for the video!
I'd have never thought of double-potting like that!
Thank you, Brian.
You're welcome
I have always wanted to grow blueberries, and even though or soil is acidic since I live in the south. I prefer to grow as much as I can in containers- since I'm a control freak when it comes to my plants! :) Thanks so much for sharing this video - I love the way you did your pot and I'm happy to steal your idea!
Steal away! 😀
I have massive blueberry fields in my area. I don’t pick them anymore because it gets way to hot for me to be able to go out to pick them. Rows upon rows of blueberries, creating a shield from any wind that may be available to cool you down while picking. It was fun tough when I was younger! ❄️💚🙃
Wow! It’s amazing ! You can put a little chair near and get some to eat and read a book or just enjoy around. ❤
I'm willingly volunteering myself and my 2 and a 1/2 yr old to come help you pick them :)
Your videos are very helpful. I live in New England and the pine needle method works very well for me. My blueberries are planted directly in the ground and I mulch around the plants with the pine needles. Seems to work for me every year.
Where I live in NC, the soil is acidic, very acidic. So, I just need to be careful of deer. I know I can put them in the ground, they grow wild out back in our woods, but hard to get to. Thank you for all these tips and tricks though. You are always so informative.
I have a Sunshine ☀ Blue that is 2 years old and doing fine in a pot. Great harvest last season. Yum!😊 Thanks for all the information. Central Florida.
Just check your hydrangeas with their flower color - blue or pink. The color of a hydrangea flower depends on the chemical makeup of the soil it is planted in. If the soil is high in aluminum and has a low (acidic) pH, the hydrangea flower will be blue. If the soil has either a high (alkaline) pH or is low on aluminum, the hydrangea flower color will be pink.
So your saying if it’s pink it’s good for blueberries?
@@michaelsumner4251 blueberries, huckleberries, saskatoons, (and haskaps, honey berries) all like acidic soil ... so blue it it ...
Great info about blueberries in pots … I’ve been thinking about it for the past few months since moving out in the country - zone 9a in deeeeeeep southeast Texas - and I’m going to make solid plans this year for blueberries next spring. I love your videos … keep going and growing!
Thanks Brian. I might try your method of growing my own this year. It sure would be nice to have some fresh blueberries out my back door. ❄️💚🙃
Wouldn't it?
Brian you have given me a great idea for repotting my tiny blueberry bushes in my inground garden. I have pots and I have dirt. Thanks so much for the idea.
I have 8 blueberry plants. I was just thinking oh no the tube is missing, and then you said it, I was just getting ready to tell you. Lol
🤣
Brian, I live in the west too. Our soil is alkaline, and SO IS OUR WATER. I planted blueberries in mostly peat moss, and thought I was good. However, I noticed that every time I watered, the plants looked worse. I thought it might be transplant shock and didn't figure it out until it was too late! I have read that it's possible to acidify water with a bit of vinegar. Wish I had known!
Vinegar is iffy and very temporary from what I've heard
@@NextLevelGardening Thanks. If you have a suggestion please post it. The blueberries at the store are blech!
I have high alkaline clay soil, so have opted for pots. I have 7 plants, 3 bought locally (Sacramento, zone 9), 4 mature transported from Salem, OR (8b). Last year most of the plants produced some berries, despite small pots. This year I am transplanting to larger pots, using a homemade soil mix (peat moss, compost, sandy/loamy soil) and am trying Ammonium sulfate as well as vinegar water (1 Tbsp/gal) to acidify. Hoping for good outcome. So far our unusually cold weather hasn't frozen the blossoms on 2 early plants (not sure the variety, came from my sister's in OR). Also have 2 Dukes from her (later bloomers), Misty, Legacy and 1 other variety. (I labeled the 3 I bought locally last year...but 2 died by end of season, and the writing wore off the labels.🤷♀️)
Be careful with the vinegar bc I lost a rose tree last yr using it. I’m in west Tx, zone 8a (desert) and our soil and water is also VERY alkaline. My rose tree was suffering in a pot bc the soil was too alkaline and watering it just made it worse. I tried the vinegar and it was dead 3 days later. I have lots of roses planted in the ground, and they thrive, so I know I can grow great roses, but in a pot, it’s a different ball game. I will replant rose trees again this yr in my pots, but I will used a soil acidifier like Espoma instead of vinegar.
@@dianeleslie671 Good luck with that. If you look online, you might find a formula for how much vinegar to add according to how alkaline your water is. I saw it several years ago but didn't bookmark it. Also just occurred to me there are liquid hydroponic additives that might work.
In the Pacific Northwest I have loved Pink Lemonade and Chandler!
🫐🌷Spring & Easter🐣🌱 vibes, love it! Looks great with the pine needles. Perfect timing per usual! I wanted to plant blueberries I got on clearance at the end of the season and didn't get to planting before winter here 😳 (columbus ohio) we have too much rain today and tmrw but next week I'm writing this all down to do. Thank youuuuu!
You're welcome!
I’m zone 8b PNW; My bordering neighbor has a row of about 15 or so established blueberry bushes. I bought 2 varieties for my twin grandsons to keep them out of the neighbors blueberry bushes.😂
I heard of someone else planting in their hydrangeas, Azalea and rhododendron beds…which I also have throughout my yard. I do have some globe artichoke mixed in my beds that do very well and some I let flower… guests always ask what it is and are surprised when I tell them. We have lots of varieties of pine trees throughout as well. I hate cleaning up the long ‘V’ shaped pine needles. I have 3 golden doodles with curly fur and they are a pain to pick out of them and the shaggy carpet that they think is their turf to twinkle on. And they are cute and sneaky about it…they go behind the pool table.
My husband is an arborist and landscaper for over 40 years and here in St. Charles, Illinois AND when we moved recently to Michigan, he had always mulched trees and plants. Number 1. Hit does retain moisture and nutrients no matter where you live. Number 2. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk of a tree or bush, so that it doesn't girdle the tree or bush and kill it. 2 to 3 inches of mulch is best. Happy Planting and this is a nice job for the video although as Michelle said: It is a little confusing about the acid in the soil at the repotting. You could just plant acid loving perennials and leave it at that. Right?
Fantastic suggested video for UA-cam. I am currently building planters for our blueberries. I noticed the “Walter anderson” label. I’m in SD as well. You’ve got a new subscriber.
Love the double pot idea and will do that this year! I have the big pots and 1 gal blueberries. I bought 2 last year and didn't realize they should be different varieties. Guess I will buy another big pot and another variety of blueberries.
I saw the drip stuff in the hardware store but never seen it used. More videos showing how to do a system of many planters would be useful. And yes, I wondered why you buried the line after saying not to. 😂
For those beginners who want to grow blueberries in buckets:
01. Bucket 55l (15 gallon)
02. Soil from a pine forest
03. Mix the soil with pieces of sticks and pine bark
04. Pine bark mulch
Purchased soil is dead soil. No doubt.
Purchased fertilizer is not as good as slowly decaying sticks with pine bark. They gradually give the blueberries nutrients. If you really want to take care of the blueberry, it is a good idea to let pieces of pine bark stand in water for several weeks. As soon as the water "rusts", it also has a low ph, then water them. If you have blueberries in black buckets, they will heat up a lot in the sun and the roots will suffer. Either use white buckets or simply paint the black ones white or wrap them in paper or aluminum foil. One last piece of advice: the more varieties of blueberries, the more fruit you will have.
Failure is not possible with this procedure
Such great information! Yes I can grow blueberries in pots ! Thanks Brian !
I really like the double potting method and underplanting, I'm def going to do this for the blueberry that I need to pot up this weekend.
I sure wish I had this last year. I planted my blueberry in a huge pot last spring and filled it with exspemsive acidic soil. I’m looking at it right now and it’s not doing much. Barely any leaves on it. I think I need to try again and take notes from this video. Thanks the info!
You're welcome
Wish I had known this last year. 😕 Didn't think to double pot my plants. Ah well, they're doing ok so far. My plants are about the same size as yours. Can you do an episode on pruning blueberry bushes? When and how? Also, how to winterize them (zone 5b) and how often do I need to water in winter, if at all? Thanks!
Brilliant, I love the double pot concept!
Love your video! This was just what I was looking for! Easy to understand and I now want to use drip tubing which I never really thought about. Thank you!
Suggestion: I find it easier to drill drainage holes in pots with the pot turned upside down.
THANK YOU! just planted a perpetua for patio container!
I am brand new to gardening and really love your channel Brian, thank you. I live on edge of Zone 9AB and as such, I have been also looking very closely at wicking raised beds and wicking barrels. It's not uncommon for us to only cool down to 80° at night very very soon, So I would love to hear some thoughts on drip versus wicking irrigation for people like me that are trying to garden in an oven. 😂
In the ground you must use sulfur. In a pot a premixed fertilizer with sulfur works fine.
Wish this video came BEFORE I planted my container blueberries. Oh well... I did learn something!
Thanks for the information. I was planning on buying blueberries today! 😃
Excellent idea. I've not seen the "double potting" anywhere else. I will try this.
OH WOW HI BRIAN, THIS IS GREAT INFORMATION. I LOVE BLUEBERRIES BUT NEVER KNEW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 😊 LOVE YALL ❤
Hi! Thanks! 😊
Making pine needle compost tea (and having a feeder tube into the irrigation system) one can them drip-irrigate the acidity into the water that irrigates the blueberry and flowers.
Thank for the pot size tip. I’ve seen so many videos of potting a tiny plant in a huge pot. Its fine, i guess but then you risk the excess soil holding water for way too long.
That double potting method is brilliant! I just pulled my blueberries out of the ground and put them in pots for the reasons you stated in this video!
Now I'm motivated to go shopping. I need some weed and feed for my lawn. Thanks for the potting tips.
Be careful with the weed and feed especially if you are planting edibles. I have found the best way to remove lawn is first by smothering. A cheap dark tarp from somewhere like Harbor Freight the size of your area you are wanting to plant. Lay the tarp on the area and then put something with weight on the perimeter (like logs, bricks, stones. The black will absorb the heat and literally begin cooking the lawn/weeds. Not sure how long of a process this would be but it is much safer than any spray. Hope this helps.
Excellent !! So we'll be trying this down in the Gulf Coast of Texas .. .. ..
I have pink lemonade blueberry cuttings planted in pot last year. Now have a few buds. Love to see how yours turn out in the summer. Thanks for sharing.
Fingers crossed!
Unless you plan bringing them indoors for the winter, it's a no go. The plants will freeze above ground in pots and dead come spring. Ground planting hands down. Soil temperature will save the bush
If you have hard water like we do in San Diego, those soaker hoses will clog up and stop working in 3-6 months. I found out when my plants were wilted and I checked the soil and it was dry. Manufacture recommend drip lines instead.
Thanks…I bought those pots from Sam’s paid $20 each last year . I will plant my blueberries in 2 of them
@Next Level Gardning
My blueberries are blooming now - early March, in Israel. They are of course in large pots. Regarding drainage, in large pots and in a dry area, it is better to drill holes in the side of the pot and not in the bottom. This allows the holes to be cleaned if the holes are blocked by the roots of the plant and prevent the penetration of roots of plants from the environment. In a hot area, drilling holes on the side of the pot creates an internal bowl where the excess water from the irrigation is collected and the plant can absorb it back.
In addition to that, I live in a very hot area, 8 months of summer, 2 months of transition-spring and autumn and 2 months of rainy winter. I have never had to put mulch on the soil of the pots, watering the pots daily is enough to keep the soil moist, especially when there are seasonal plants blooming around the main plant. They create a pleasant and cool environment for all plants.
Thanks again for a wonderful video. I think I will try my hand with blueberries.
So would it be good to use Rhodie n Azalea fertilizer for your Blueberries in containers I know they love Acidity soul too ?? I'm in PNW Washington thanks for sharing this information 👍
I was thinking of trying this since I have no idea where they will ultimately be put in ground. In New England we find wild blueberries under pine stands in the forest, often, even on rocky ledges! I wish I could find cultivated ones with the small berries, we preffer them for cooking. ( More berry flavor, hold thier shape better less watery when cooking) Thank you!
Interesting video plants grow in my Georgia soil 7A-B, but bird are a problem when fruiting and prevention a problem
LOL! Yep, first thing I do when I bring home new pots is grab the drill! 😁👍
Definitely need the colder temps...we are in a warm climate but had some long colder times even an ice storm (treepocalypse) but the blueberry in large containers are flowering now almost spring
Can I add ash from my fireplace as acid to plant. I moved my blueberry bush from the front of my garden which it wasn't even producing into a container into the back of my home I live on the water and there's a beautiful breeze all summer long The plant flourished beautiful green leaves but no blueberries this season maybe because I transplanted it can you tell me if the plant will produce maybe next year?
I'm learning a lot on your channel thank you
Just saw your video on planting blueberries in pots. You stated there is 2 type of blueberries, high and low bush blueberries. Actually there is another grown a lot in the south. It is rabbiteye varieties.
I double pot my plants in barrels for the same reason-temperature extremes in North Texas.
Excellent vidoe!!! I took notes, and shared. Thank you!
🤣🤣🤣 I told you that you buried your drip tub but you didn't hear me. Have a blessed weekend 🤗❤️
Hmm, We just had 6" of snow but 100F is normal in summer. So far I've killed 2 varieties but perhaps in pots.i eat a lot of blueberries so will try again. Thanks for the acid reminder.
Might try this, but as far as heat, it is the 11th of June, 2023, and our temps are already near 100, did I mention I live in central Texas? Enjoyed your ideas though, could use for some of our Texas natives 👍👍👍
Thank you for the video. I do have the pots indoors. Is there any trimming to be done in the spring?
"It's so unlike me to over buy" Hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha 😆 🤣🤣🤣 hilarious!
😁🤷♂️
AWW should have waited to comment You shared what to use Thanks 😊
You're welcome
I'm just curious if it would be worthwhile to source crushed stone made from granite to place in the bottom of the pot. Wild blueberries usually grow where the bedrock is granite rather than limestone, since the granite makes the soil acid; limestone makes it alkaline. I have 4 low bush blueberries to plant this spring and I'm planning on putting them in a high raised bed so that I don't have to bend as far down to pick the berries since they are low bush. This video was very helpful. Thank you!
Is it really true that plants can tell the size of the container they are planted in to be cozy? Do plants desire to be planted in a container rather than the ground?
Also, wondering why you don't loosen the roots when you transplant from the nursery pots to your garden pots? The pansies looked pretty root-bound.
Putting rocks at the bottom of pots is sort of a gardening myth. They usually block holes more than help drain. Using a sponge is much better. It absorbs excess water, then releases it if the soil is dry.
I've heard that. Maybe they're talking small gravel... the chips seem to work for me
Some soil gets muddy real easy and will block holes. If u have good soil it doesn’t do much
I give up! I will just buy blueberries at the grocery store... geezus
I love the pot in pot to insulate idea. Very clever! I was wondering though - since the flowers aren’t going to root that deeply, why not fill the bottom 6” or so of the big pot with twigs or wood chips or something and save on soil? Just a thought.
I was planning on putting strawberries all around my blueberries
Me, talking to the video Dora the Explorer style: “you buried the drip tube!”
Later: “but I did!”
There are up to (and more ...) 49 different blueberries that can be grown on the West Coat - high bush, low bush, different size fruits, early - mid - late. Just need to find what varieties work for you. Or plant successional varieties so that you are harvesting throughout the entire growing season for blueberries abundanza !!! One also needs to think of shading as blueberries are actually forest border berries - and they love partial sun, partial shade for their paper thin leaves. And don't overwater blueberries - they like moist (humid) soil - but not swampy or peaty sandy bog soil like cranberries.
Very informative video, thank you 😊. I’m wanting to plant blueberry bushes for the first time, and I was wondering what size were the 2 pots that u used in the video. I’m going to buy a couple of 2.5 quart pink icing plants for zone 6 and I have no idea the size of container to get.
jersey is a good one too
I hear a lot of birds singing in the background 🤣🤣🤣🤣 they will be thrilled
🤣 will be bringing out the tulle!
Question regarding what you said about a pot being to large. I could see how it could be a watering issue with keeping it properly moist, however how can a pot be too big for a small plant to grow in when it would be the same as planting it in the ground. I would be more worried about roots being bound by smaller pots. Could you expound on your reasoning for this?
In a too-large pot, soil dries slowly, making your plant more susceptible to root rot.
Brian always confused on drip system and how long I should be running it. So how long do you think you would be running your drip irrigation for that container?
Thank you for this video I want to do blueberry but want to have smaller bushes. I will be using pots. I live in Arkansas so what type of blueberries should I get? Super helpful video. Blessings ❤️🌺
Great timing with this video. I'm in Southern California and have had no success with blueberries. Wanted to try again using pots and here you posted a video. What size nursery pot is your inner pot? It looks like a 5 gallon but not sure.
It looks more like a 3 gallon pot.
Fantastic lesson, thank you!
My pleasure!
Great video very helpful
Can orange peels and or pine needles be used to raise the acidity?
I have a question? Why don't you tear up the roots some, when you transplant the blueberries in the pot?
Hi Brian. In zone 6b/7a Love this video. What size are the smaller pots and if using Espoma pH reducer how much would you add to regular potting mix?
I kind of wish you would do follow ups if you can to see the end result. Unless I missed them...lol
My pink lemonade has been in bloom since january. Actually both varieties i have bloomed in January. I am in zone 9 and even here thats way early.
Do you have video of you up-potting the blueberries??