Blueberry planter?

[1Bee]

Hi guys. I recently ordered blueberries Bluecrop and Earliblue (having decided I actually didn't need any new clothes right now, and would much rather spend some pocket money on blueberries and 5 Joan J raspberry canes....). I'd like to plant them in one of those big, round flexible garden tub/trugs that's developed a sizeable hole in its fundament. It's a big one, over 2 feet across at the top.

I know I'm going to need ericaceous compost, but I'm not sure how else to prepare the tub. Is it a reasonable idea to plant one up? Will I need to punch more holes in the bottom? Or is one biggish one and a layer of crocks going to be okay? I read one article that suggested blueberries like to be moist, which won't be a problem here, but another one suggested they like to be in well-drained soil....

Basically, does this sound like a doable idea, and what else do I need to think about? All tips welcome! Thank you!

[SelkirkAlex]

mix the compost with some perlite and some slow release ericaceous fertiliser and away you go, you don't actually want too big a container if you want fruit from your blueberries the first year or two, they actually like being cramped and even neglected somewhat

[4Shoes]

Also a good idea to cover top of planters with layers of bark or better still "Chipped Pine needles / Christmas tree". This will continue to add acid to soil and prevent container drying out.

[bario1]

When you say plant 'them', do you mean both bushes in the one trug?

[1Bee]

*looks sheepish* I was hoping to put both in the one, yes.... I had a sneaking suspicion I was being ambitious.

[SelkirkAlex]

not really feasible, that size container is if anything too big for the roots in the first year or two (assuming you bought the standard two year old pot grown plants) but will work fine for one plant, two will never fit, they make quite a big bush depending on cutivar typically 4 foot by 4 foot

[1Bee]

Thanks Alex. Apart from the wild vaccinium on the fellside hereabouts I've never seen blueberry types growing, so this info is very helpful. Could I plant both in this container for the first couple of years then split into separate containers?



The trug in question is the black one, bottom left.

[lottie dolly]

2 down the plot are in a blue half plastic barral,small holes for drainage,crocs and compost,they always produce lovely crops,i do nothing but water rain water only,tidy up any dead bits and top up compost every year,my advice would be,not use a trug as they seem not to last long and eventualy brake up,another thing is,ref putting 2 in 1 pot,even for 1 season,NO ,the reason being they will not have the space to grow evenly,and will end up flater where their branches meet,i would only put 1 per container,all mine are standing on a slab,so any water can drain away,
the pic i just took of 2 at home,much much smaller than the plots,i can also move them around if needed,just for the record,i have 3 rhubarb plants between them,and blackcurrants in the back bed,all new in last year.

[ecudc]

Hi There,

My Herbert grew to 1 metre in a year so I wouldn't put them in the same pot, even to begin with. RHS suggests 30cm pot minimum for 1st year, 50cm when it has exceeded the pot size.

Herbert is grown in a 1/2 metre cubed square pot. They like consistently moist but not completely sodden soil, . Must be watered with rain water, daily if it's really hot. Don't allow them to dry out.

[SelkirkAlex]

honestly don't know how intertwined the rootballs would get, so I would say you probably could but really shouldn't, a better option would be to keep them in the pots supplied, or one of them, until you get a more suitable pot, doesn't have to be very big 5l or 10l would work for at least a year.

[SelkirkAlex]

https://www.plantpotsdirect.com/prod...ound-plant-pot

about ideal for a year or two

[1Bee]

I can find something like that, I'm sure.

But then what do I do with the trug.... ??

[lottie dolly]

I can find something like that, I'm sure.

But then what do I do with the trug.... ??

grow some flowers in it,and place amongst thegrowing veg.

[dee9]

mix the compost with some perlite and some slow release ericaceous fertiliser and away you go, you don't actually want too big a container if you want fruit from your blueberries the first year or two, they actually like being cramped and even neglected somewhat

the best advice!

[1Bee]

Maybe Dahlias..... but I won't be able to lift it once it's full. It's really too big to be useful as a trug, too.

Bought a couple of large pots (30is cms) from Tesc0 this morning - £1.60 each.