Blueberries!!!!

[vegtable newbie!]

Hello

I have two blueberry bushes to go up the allotment. I understand they need specific compost, what is this please?

Thank you in advance

Sue

[Bigmallly]

Hi, Ericaceous compost is normally used to grow blueberries although I didn't use it. Instead I mixed lots of coffee grounds into the compost (as the grounds are acidic) then mulched with pine chippings. They are thriving.

Blueberry Planting Guide - Planting & Care - Soft Fruit - BLUEBERRIES - Scotplantsdirect.co.uk

[Alison]

Am guessing that if you live in Kent your soil is quite alkaline so not that suited to ericaceous plants (please correct me if I'm wrong about you soil) whereas mine is on the acidic side. Means that I can grow blueberries straight in the ground with no extra treatment and have a lovely camellia flowering at home at the moment which will be followed by rhoddies etc but does make it harder to get good brassicas. You'll probably be the other way round so will need to keep on eye on the soil. If you're not sure then think what you can grow well which usually gives a clue or do a pH test, I understand they're easy but I've never bothered myself.

[vegtable newbie!]

Thank you! You are right about my soil! Blueberry bushes never survive in my garden! I didn't know they need specific compost!

Thank you. Hopefully they will survive now!!

Sue

[salome2001]

Hi Sue. You can always grow them in pots. Mine seem very happy in them, with ericaceous compost and the periodic feed with ericaceous plant food (in garden centres often labelled as azalea feed).

Thanks for the heads up about coffee grounds being acidic, I know what to mulch them with now