Bluberries - brown leaves and other worries.

[Jardiniere]

I bought two blueberry plants earlier this year and popped them in on soonest available spot (close to raspberries and apricot).South west facing -
Had a handful of berries from each but now the leaves have turned brown and they both look very sickly.
Thinking of pulling up, cutting right down and putting into largish pots- any advice please? Other stuff close by is fine (gooseberry cuttings, new blackcurrant bush, raspberries, apricot)

[Alison]

Hmmm, doesn't sound too healthy. Have been thinking of getting a blueberry plant for a while but not got around to it yet. I do know that they need an acidic soil, but would have thought that not getting that would have caused them to have pale leaves rather than brown ones????? Would give them a good does of ericacious (sp?) feed though just to be on the safe side. Are the leaves dry and crispy or soft and floppy?

[bramble]

Hi Jardanaire, what type of soil did you plant them into. Blueberries need lime free soil to thrive. Its called "eiracaious " Don't know if the spelling is right but i'm sure you will know what i mean.

[littleweed]

Like all ericacious plants blueberries like free draining acid soil and must not be watered from the tap as this could well kill them. Try to keep out of direct sunlight, this may have burnt the leaves, now we have actually got some sunshine! I'm sure they will be ok, good luck, Jan.

[skegblade]

MMMM I think I've found out why mine aren't happy. I'm collecting rain water in old liquid soap drums scrounged from work.

[pigletwillie]

Contrary to popular belief tap water will not kill them. I have 16 plants, all planted directly into the ground and they quite often feel the hose if rain water is scarce. At worst this watering will lessen the PH of the soil, especially if you live in a lime rich area and that can be reversed very easily by adding sulphate of iron.They have very tender, delicate roots and do not tolerate AT ALL manure of any description or sitting in a swamp.

The most likely cause of your problems are:-

1) that the soil is not acid enough, in which case water on sulphate of iron generously.
2) they are too wet, they like moist soil but do not like living in a bog.
3) you have put manure in the planting hole or as a mulch.
4) you have a pest such as vine weevils.

[skegblade]

Thanks for the help PW. My two are in tubs until I can get a patch of ground ready for them. Will check them again when I go to the lottie tomorrow.

Phil

[Jardiniere]

I suppose its time i tested my soil.I expect they sell kits here ...will have to get my dictionary out.
we are in a river valley (glacial) and the soil is a loam.
my garden is also in a hollow - below road level and with a railway (disused) embankment to one side which protects us from flooding......can get quite damp...but also gets very hot - 34 degrees this pm.