Blueberry Planted. Bluecrop and Patriot.

[Durgan]

10 April 2011 Blueberry planted Bluecrop and Patriot. 10 April 2011 Blueberry Planted. Bluecrop and Patriot.

Six mature blueberry bushes were planted. Three Blue crop and three Patriot. A farmer was selling plants ($10.00) about 40 km from my location, so I went out and dug them up. The farmer had about 5 acres, replacing tobacco, but he found that the birds (robins) caused so much damage that the fields were not profitable. I expected some small bushes and was amazed at the size, which pleased me greatly.

The spacing is about three feet between plants. Some pruning is required, which will be completed later. Some aluminium sulphate was added to get a low pH 4 to 5. Eventually a pH meter will be obtained to confirm the pH.

[pinetree]

Those are some nice sized bushes! I'm anxious to see how many blueberries you get!

[Durgan]

Those are some nice sized bushes! I'm anxious to see how many blueberries you get!

There were a few berries in 2011, but small so I didn't bother picking them, and let the birds have a feast.

The soil has been modified with compost and they were kept watered during the Summer, and about six inches of wood chip mulch was added.

I am mulling over how to add a screen net to keep the birds away. I am willing to share with the birds, but they damage more than they eat. Robins are the main culprits. Same with strawberries and the Bing Cherries.

[chowder]

How much or how many times a season do you use the aluminium sulphate? I was told this is pretty nasty stuff and was told to use vinegar or miracid.I used both and although I didn't test the soil the bushes didn't do too good.Maybe I didn't use enough,or as often as needed?
Do you use any precautions with the aluminium sulphate? Do you find it nasty?
I am just trying to get these bushes going better,and any advice is really welcomed.Thanks Durgan
I might add mine are only about 18 inches tall.

[Durgan]

How much or how many times a season do you use the aluminium sulphate? I was told this is pretty nasty stuff and was told to use vinegar or miracid.I used both and although I didn't test the soil the bushes didn't do too good.Maybe I didn't use enough,or as often as needed?
Do you use any precautions with the aluminium sulphate? Do you find it nasty?
I am just trying to get these bushes going better,and any advice is really welcomed.Thanks Durgan
I might add mine are only about 18 inches tall.

I tried growing Blueberries when I lived in Brampton, and they never got further than about stick size in three years. I think I got about three berries.

I chose aluminium sulphate probably because it was available. Actually I planned on preparing the growing area this year and sort of got the plants by a serendipitous accident,so had to pH the soil quickly.

As a precaution I added some vinegar during the growing season, and mulched with a few pine needles. I bought a pH meter but really didn't rely on the test, since aluminium sulphate takes time to act, so I will do a careful test in the Spring. I added a good sprinkling of the aluminium sulphate and worked it in. Later I added some to the top layer of mulch then covered with more mulch. I used the whole box from Home Depot or Lowes. Sort of following my inclination.

Right now, I am following my nose, and can't offer any reasonable advice. Next year should tell the tale.