Blueberries in containers

[vegelady]

In the autumn I bought 3 Blueberries which I have had in pots all winter. They are now starting to bud and I wonder whether I have to now cover in fleece as I thought they could remain outside all year and I was surprised to see them bud so early, and secondly what do I use to feed them? I now I have to water (not that they need it now!) with rainwater but I am not sure how much or how often to feed
thanks
Alison

[chris]

I didn't last year, and they survived the frosts.. It'd be the blossom more than anything that'd need protection from harsh frosts.. I'll await other answers though as I'd be interested myself.

My harvest from my 3 bushes was massive last year, 1 berry! (Could be why hehe)

[northepaul]

Mine (in pots) live outside all year, they are very tough plants and I only fleeced the pots to protect the roots when it was particularly heavy frost.
They bud up very early, and should be showing signs of life around now (depending which variety you have).
I feed mine with seaweed extract, but only when they are in full swing.

During the winter when they are completely dormant, I take them out of the pot (very carefully,) and add new compost (acidic) along with a slow release rhododandron feed mixed in. I also add some pine needles if I can get hold of them.

Remember they require acidic soil and only give them rainwater to drink.
They love a sunny spot!
Hope that helps

[elizajay]

In the autumn I bought 3 Blueberries which I have had in pots all winter. They are now starting to bud and I wonder whether I have to now cover in fleece as I thought they could remain outside all year and I was surprised to see them bud so early, and secondly what do I use to feed them? I now I have to water (not that they need it now!) with rainwater but I am not sure how much or how often to feed
thanks
Alison

They like lots of water, mine in a large pot didn't get enough water in winter/spring last year and the early leaves died. I thought the bush had died, but the later growth was fine after I started watering regularly.

[vegelady]

thank you, yes it helps a lot. I would not have thought of rhododandron feed we have lots of pine needles where I live so will give them a nice treat!

[Headfry]

But what if I run out of rain water - often happens?

[Nes]

But what if I run out of rain water - often happens?

...then tap water will have to do - less damaging than leaving the plant to dry out! When supplies look like running low, I often save the rain water only for plants which really need it. Others get tap water. This helps eak out what I have left hopefully until the next rain comes.

[northepaul]

You have to use tap water then, but sparingly and I always save my rain water for the plants (such as blueberries/cranberries) which really have to have it.