Expert: nick mccann - 6/3/2009

Question
I'm in my third year of trying to grow a Sunshine Blue blueberry bush in a container in Zone 9 (Stockton) and not having much success...very few berries. Can you recommend a soil type or brand that I can buy from Lowes or Home Depot that will work. I think that may be my problem. Or do I have to create a specific soil mixture that blueberries like ?

Thank you,

Vic

Answer
Hi Vic, Blueberries need a very acidic soil, and more importantly, it needs to be maintained at this low PH;certain fertilizers and tap water can raise it and must be avoided, use rain water or bottled water when watering, and they need an inch a week. Use an acid fertilizer when fertilizing and keep a layer of bark mulch or pine mulch to keep the acidity high; one other thing, the first years blossoms should be removed, so the plant can put its energy into development, then the second year you can get your first crop. Nick