Topic: Blueberry Plants in pots. Worthwhile in UK?

[Hector]

I have space in garden to grow two/ three of these in big pots...and can drag into greenhouse over winter. Are they worthwhile? I have fancied these for a while but wondering if it's heart ruling head :)

[Marlborough]

I'm giving them a go this year, got 4 of them in 45l pots. I filled the pots with era across compost and a handful of blood and bone, so fingers crossed!!!😊

[Squashman]

I have 4 outside all year round, they have given a very good crop for the last 5 years.

[Hector]

Super! I think I might try Bluecrop....unless you guys know of a better one :)

[martinrowe]

I have got some in the ground outside and they are doing well.  If in pots make sure they don't dry out too much.

[picman]

Got 4 in BIG pots, don't let them dry out , ericaceous compost, watch out for ant nests , obviously protect from birds as fruit sets.

[Hector]

Thanks all, think I will order Sunshine.

This is a helpful wee table
http://www.dorsetblueberry.co.uk/grow-your-own-blueberries.html

[Steve Oram]

I've just ordered 3 blueberries from www.rvroger.co.uk (thanks for the recommendation). I avoided Bluecrop because it's a commercial favourite, which normally means it's been selected for qualities like mechanical harvesting and handling, storage, crop size etc. rather than flavour, but that might not be the case with Bluecrop, just a hunch.

I went for:
Elizabeth - mid-late, prized for flavour
Herbert - late, sweet/tart, considered one of the best for flavour
Bluetta - early, compact, sharper taste (I like a bit of tartness rather than all sweetness, and is good for cooking/preserving)

I've dug a plot and sunk slabs and an old tabletop(!) around it to keep the bed separate from the surrounding soil so I can start acidifying the bed.

Speaking of which, I've been trying to buy some elemental sulphur but could only find yellow sulphur. Both are used to acidify, but are they the same? Elemental sulphur is supposed to be slow release, and iron sulphate washes through too quickly for my liking as you need to add it about 4 times a year.

Any thoughts?

Cheers.

[davholla]

What do people feed their blueberries with?

[Digeroo]

I have a friend with several and she does very well.  They do not need the overwintering in the greenhouse but they do need lime free water. Presume because you are considering pots that your soil is wrong, so presume your water is too.   This can be a problem in some areas if your water butt runs dry.   

Coffee grounds are supposed to help keep things acid.

They have bred a pink one now too.

[Squashman]

When I first planted mine I dug a trench, lined it with heavy duty ground cover fabric, fill the trench with ericaceous compost, then planted the blue berry shrubs. I feed with ericaceous granual feed.

[Hector]

Thanks for the link Amanofkent, some nice varieties of blueberry and apples on there.

I tested soil years ago for a Azaelia and Rhodedendron and had to put in ericaceous and feed regularly. They do well....the problem is we are at bottom of a hill, so gets cold and very very wet....so want to drag them in greenhouse over winter. I'll look into big pots.

How do I test my rainwater, I'd not considered that!

[squeezyjohn]

I don't think that rainwater is different in different places!!!!  Tap water is though.

Rain is very slightly acidic and they're the same clouds for everyone.

[Hector]

Senile moment,! I truly am losing the plot at the moment.

[Duke Ellington]

I have been growing blueberries in tubs for three years and each shrub is a good size now. I have four of them and get a really good yield from each. I even had some to freeze last year. Just be sure to plant them up in ericaecous compost and keep them well watered. Mine are in my fruit cage so they are protected from the birds.

[Hector]

Thanks Duke, what variety do you grow?

[Duke Ellington]

Three of them are Bluecrop and the other I can't remember the name but I bought it in Wilkos.
Duke

[johhnyco15]

if you pot up blueberries remember to cut the compost 30/70 with sand to give extra drainage i have 5 blueberries all in pots all different variety's it helps with pollination if you have  more than one i get blueberries from June thru to September all i do is once a year give them a teaspoon full of sulphate of iron and a mulch of conifer leaves each spring and put a net over them to stop the birds                                                 oh and i take cuttings each year as i prune them in late summer hope this helps