Planting Blueberries in Non Acid Soil?

[Pippin]

Hi,

At the end of last summer GYO mag gave advice on how to plant blueberrie bushes in non acid soil. I cannot find this back-copy.

It mentioned adding iron `something or other`. Can anyone remember this issue and tell me what the article said. It also had a picture of blueberries on the front cover.

Thanks in advance.

Pippin

[Snadger]

Not from the GYO mag but taken from the BBC gardening site:-

'Blueberries require light, free-draining acidic soils, with plenty of rich, organic matter if they are to thrive. The soil should have a pH of between 4 and 5.5, similar to the requirements of rhododendrons and camellias. It is possible to lower the pH levels of your soil with sulphur chips or dust. However, they will need to be added three weeks before planting to take effect. Monitor the soil's pH every few years, because it may be necessary to add acid. If you do not have suitable soil, simply grow blueberries in a pot containing acidic soil, such as ericaceous compost, giving the plants a high potash feed (such as tomato feed) occasionally during the growing season.'

Hope this helps!

[pigletwillie]

Sulphate of iron is the kiddy. Its best to plant in a big hole filled with ericaceous compost and water well with the iron solution a few times a year to keep it that way. Even blueberries in tubs should be treated as the acidity disappears.

[Sue]

Hi
And I can't find this reference again but weren't coffee grounds recommended as a mulch for blueberries?
Also does that mean having to buy the iron thingy stuff, or is there a natural substitute?
Sue

[Pippin]

Thanks guy`s,

Thats a great help.

I have a small patch of ground earmarked for my 3 differing varieties. I can now get them prepared.

Pippin