Growing Blueberries in Pots - the easy way to grow blueberries anywhere!

[@timsworld9875]

subscribed!..wow you have really done your homework...great video...i have 18 half barrels i plan on planting blueberries in and this video has answered all of my questions...thank you...i also live in ohio (southern ohio) and have had no luck planting blueberries in the ground here.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I am very glad that I was able to answer your questions and don't hesitate to ask if anything else pops up. Best wishes for a wonderful blueberry crop in the future and I hope you have a great week!

[@grzegorz16100]

Have you tried to dig a huge hole and fill it with acidic compost?

[@jturtle5318]

@@grzegorz16100 could work in neutral soil, but the soil where I live is so alkaline that it doesn't help.

[@marypaquet3372]

Thanks for mentioning the damage to environment from over harvesting of peat moss.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@marypaquet3372 as I've delved deeper into researching this subject, I've come across information that says peat is an ok choice if you purchase from companies dedicated to sustainable harvests and that in my area of the world it's actually a more responsible choice than shipping in coconut coir from tropical locales. There is so much conflicting info, my head it starting to spin!! Is sustainably harvested peat legit??

[@doraricard1512]

First thing I noticed is no gloves. I love to feel the dirt. Good job!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Me too, Dora!! I tried wearing gloves for all of about 1 video and then gave up... can't stand them. My nails aren't very pretty all summer, but it's worth it to feel the dirt. Take care!

[@totallyfrozen]

Nice! Wanna do my laundry? LOL!

[@orangemanok5800]

How do you keep the soil from drying out your skin? My fingers split open and take weeks to heal if I spend a day digging in the garden without gloves. ☹️

[@doraricard1512]

@@orangemanok5800 g Get disposable gloves, put Vaseline on your hands,put your gloves on and go to sleep. Helps alot.

[@MsCocoalopez]

Don't love wearing gloves but found out I'm allergic to dirt,pollen,leaves etc. Told the doctor not giving up my garden so now i wear long sleeve,long pants,boots,mask gloves and a hat in the ga heat.

[@thekatt...]

We are blessed to be surrounded by wild blueberries, raspberries, black berries.

[@thekatt...]

AND wild strawberries. Northern Ontario has a bounty to be harvested. ❤🇨🇦

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That really is a blessing!

[@freshprince130]

I grew huge blueberries in the deep inner city of Louisville and had success for about 10 years then we moved and they dug up the bushes. Poor neighborhood kids would always be eating my berries which was perfect. Never want a kid hungry.

[@finnical9718]

I had never heard of you before, this video just came up in recommended for me as I have an interest in blueberries. You were so thorough, so detailed, so specific with real world examples, I have subscribed! Good on you, I will be using this video when I finally plant my blueberries. St. Louis soil is typically ph neutral, so containers for me.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for subscribing- I'm glad you found the video useful. Best of luck with your blueberries!

[@GWG8541]

I am glad I came across your videos. I am in northern Montgomery County and dealing with the same soil and climate issues. Thanks for the great info. There is no doubt your channel will help save time and frustration. Thanks!

[@reallifejenni]

What up 6A Ohio! I’m near CLE and this is my first season growing food! Glad I found someone in my zone to watch!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hey neighbor! I'm so happy that you are growing your own food- that is awesome! I hope this gardening season goes great for you.

[@jturtle5318]

Thank you for speaking up about the over harvesting of peat moss.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are welcome-- and I have a question for you regarding peat. In another of my videos I recommend that if you must use peat, try to get peat that has been certified by the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association because they guarantee the application of good management practices in all aspects of sustainable development. A commenter told me this is a load of bunk (that it's just basically marketing and they don't actually do what they say). Do you happen to know anything about this, as far as what the truth of the matter is? There is so much conflicting information out there, the more I research the more confused I get! If you have any info you could share, it would be greatly appreciated. Take care & have a wonderful week!

[@jturtle5318]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I have never researched that, I just switched to coir.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@jturtle5318 thank you for letting me know!

[@MobileAura]

I just got 16 qt of peat moss and I don’t know what to do with it so I threw it in my garden 💀

[@richdes1]

I've read that Canada's peat is being replaced faster than the harvest

[@NotAsTraceable]

I have crappy clay soil as well and had 4 blueberry plants in containers for about 6 years and recently tried to plant them in around my garden. No good. Had to dig them up and put them back in containers. I used mini pine nuggets, regular old potting soil and coconut coir and they're doing great. I throw a handful of soil acidifier in the pots about once every 6 weeks because my water is alkaline.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing, Bill!

[@whogavehimafork]

I love birds but they only seem to love my blueberries. I have a bush that's about 2 years old that I've never eaten from. Going to buy bird netting tomorrow

[@gmvalentine626]

I had to get rid of mine. The birds were getting entangled in it and dying.

[@tinaline3547]

Love that I found you! Finally someone in OHIO besides me!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Tina! So good to hear from a fellow Ohioan! I'm glad you found me too 😊. Take care & have a wonderful day!

[@sn232]

That is the most beautiful corner of your yard, and the song birds singing make me miss Summer already! Thank you for this fantastic video, once again it's my favorite, you seriously cover all questions, give many options, talk about what to use and avoid, and most of all they address clay soil and your zone. Thank you!!!!! I don't need to watch any other videos but yours!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad to hear this- thank you!

[@jackie3175]

The best video on growing blueberries I have found!

[@crazycarl00]

Thank you for posting this. I picked up my first blueberry lowbush and didn't know what I was getting into in regards to soil acidity. Now I have a variety of the items you suggested to support getting more bushes. Yay.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are welcome, Carl! Best wishes for great success with your blueberry bushes and take care!

[@llellis2280]

This video was so helpful for me. Kiddo eats a quart a day so I'm starting 2 bushes. I did 2 two years ago and they failed because I had zero knowledge. Thank you!

[@felicializzielliving2637]

You could not have ANY idea of what you are talking about and I am subscribing. As soon as you came on screen I'm like "she is the cutest!!" The muscle tank, the trucker hat...LOVE!!😍👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😊Thank you so much, Felicia! I appreciate your kind words & support. Take care!

[@mastertechnician3372]

Each time I watch your videos I learn a thing or two. Thank you Jenna.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@finalgate]

I love blueberry plants and I have the same soil issue living in Ohio. I have a total of 8 blueberry plants on my property now, all in containers. A mixture that has worked really well for me has been even parts coir and (I know it's bad) peat moss, perlite (about 1/4 part) and homemade compost (not fully composted, still some coarse organic matter in it). It has worked well for me at least. I've tried holly tone from the store and also homemade fertilizer and found that my homemade stuff holds up somewhat well in comparison ( well enough at least considering its free). I use a mixture of coffee grounds, tea grounds, banana peels that have been dried and crushed into powder (I drink a lot of coffee, tea and smoothies). The banana peels provide some potassium and phosphorus, nitrogen from the tea and coffee grounds ( it all takes some time to break down and become usable for the plant so it is a sort of slow release formula). I mulch with pine needles from my white pine trees. They are large trees and they shed a ton! I actually have a few plants I grow just for their leaves ( they are pretty in the fall when they turn red and I make tea from the leaves). I give them more nitrogen so they leaf out for me and I let the birds get whatever fruit they grow. The plants I actually harvest for the berries I give a little less nitrogen so they concentrate on growing fruit rather than leaves.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing

[@ltgemini1599]

Hi. Im in Ohio and just purchased plants (july) in nursery pots. What type? And size pots? What do you do with youre containers with high snow? Thank you.

[@finalgate]

@@ltgemini1599 I'm sure Jenna has better advice than me, but I personally use 20 to 24 inch diameter pots for my blueberries. I like the half whiskey barrels you can find at most big box stores. I've gotten decent results with actually burying the container halfway in the ground and using extra mulch to protect from the cold. I have a bunch of white pine trees so I have no shortage of pine bark and needles. For smaller plants that are more delicate and have more trouble in the winter, I bring the containers in the garage if I need to when we get a hard freeze in the winter.

[@dellagro307]

Your method of explaining how to plant blueberries was great. Thank you!

[@gardentours]

I grow blueberries successfully in containers as well. I'm happy that it works 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you've had success!

[@LashusJourney]

I just bought some blueberry plants, I'm here watching. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you find some useful tidbits!

[@peggylee6086]

I love this video , so happy that you mentioned the destruction of the peat bogs which takes thousands of years to develop. Thank you from Canada.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you enjoyed it, Peggy. I've recently come across info stating that purchasing Canadian peat from sources that are verified "sustainable harvest" is an OK option-- do you happen to know anything about this? Lots of conflicting info out there! Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated!

[@lesboucher542]

WARNING! It's not just the birds that love blueberries. My dog loves them as well and will daintily pick them off the bush as they ripen.... LOL.... I'm in Australia and, where I live, is alkaline soil as well and, as you mentioned, it just chews up any soil additives when I try to change the PH level. Because of this, I am trying them out in grow bags this year. Fingers crossed...

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh no!! we used to have a dog that would do this with our grapes 😆. I hope you have good luck growing blueberries in grow bags. Take care & have a great week!

[@ludlowfalls8856]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Birds stripped mine before they even got ripe!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@ludlowfalls8856 oh, that is aggravating!! I'd definitely invest in some bird netting if you haven't already! Do be sure to secure it down tight- those birds are masters at getting into the netting!!

[@jturtle5318]

I'd be laughing too hard to scold the dog. My Keeshond used to chew on the unripe tomatoes.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@jturtle5318 oh no 🤣 . We got a German Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd last summer, and I found out they love cucumbers! I definitely can't scold them- they will both hold the cukes between their front paws and just gnaw on them!

[@FleetwoodPatch]

So we are DETERMINED to grow blueberries this year. We have the opposite problem, dry sandy soil. Thanks for this video. I’m hoping this will set us up for success!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You can do it!

[@VijaySharma-q5r]

The information you have given about blueberry's is very good, thank you ! Jenna

[@PyspherE]

In North America Peat is way more sustainable and environmentally friendly than Coco Coir. Specifically Canadian Peat Bogs are very closely monitored and harvested very sustainably. Coco is almost always shipped from Asia or Pacific islands, occasionally it comes from the Caribbean or South America so by and large requires much more transportation to get to you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have wondered about this many times and have had trouble finding a definitive answer as to 'what is more sustainable'. Thank you so much for your input! Take care!

[@AyarARJ]

Yep. And big box garden/dyi centers in the US most often ship their peat in from Canada. It may have a US address, but if you look there will be a Quebec address as well, very often (Riviere du Loup, etc). Feels a bit better than shipping from Asia in sulfur-spewing container ships. Regardless, this video was very interesting and I will try it out!

[@datugintuong464]

Yes I am trying blueberry here in the Philippines!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!

[@travisbruce1775]

I grow my blueberries in a 5 gallon wick bucket. Three years later still growing and producing wonderful blueberries.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad it's working for you!

[@susanstrudwick6275]

Do you drill holes in the bottom of your 5 gallon buckets?

[@belindablunderbus1365]

Thanks so much for encouraging people to go peat-free!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome, but I have a question you might be able to help me with! I've recently come across info stating that purchasing Canadian peat from sources that are verified "sustainable harvest" is an OK option in North American-- do you happen to know anything about this? Lots of conflicting info out there! Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated!

[@rebeccakrause7057]

As she uses it herself

[@michaellippmann4474]

Well done video young lady! Appreciate the tips and also making people aware of the use of peat moss! Thank you Mike 🇨🇦🍁

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much, Mike! Take care & enjoy your week!

[@erickagomez8893]

My son loooooves blueberries so much that I’m researching this stuff. Great video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

He'll be like my kiddos- out there picking the fruit the moment they turn blue 😆. Take care!

[@lesliebarrett9]

Thank you so much. This video is so helpful. The first year I had my blueberries they were in pots and I got so many blueberries. Then I put them in the ground and haven’t seen any more berries. Now I know why. I’m in NE Ohio and so appreciate you mentioning how to over-winter the blueberries. Definitely a subscriber now.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Leslie- I'm very glad you found the video helpful! Yes, unfortunately here in Ohio, blueberries just don't love our soil (how I wish they did, I would have so many more planted). Do you think you'll be moving them back into pots? Thanks for watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@Fattiapples]

How big of pots do you recommend, I can’t afford the wine barrels they are sooo expensive

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@Fattiapples I prefer growing in at least a 20 gallon container. I've had great luck using 20 gallon grow bags like these: www.gurneys.com/product/potato-grow-tub and they're more affordable than the whiskey barrel planters. You might also consider growing a dwarf blueberry variety, as you can get away with planting in a smaller container (perhaps as small as a 10 gallon pot) due to the smaller plant size. Hope this helps & take care!

[@wendyshepard2080]

@@Fattiapplesif you have any cattle farmers, I get the barrels their supplements come in… free!!! Just ask

[@Victoria-kf7wo]

❤TYsomuch for sharing your brilliant idea, very natural looking! My life is tangled up with .66 acres on a sunny hot hillside, can’t wait to get started.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@busyrand]

Very detailed and data driven instructions. I also appreciate you attention to environmental concerns in sourcing your soil materials.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for the great feedback! I appreciate it!

[@likasite]

Appreciate the science! It's good not just to throw stuff in there but to understand a little bit about it also

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I feel the same way!

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Awesome tips Mrs. Jenna! You shonuff give folks the best advice! Stay safe my friend and have a wonderful week!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I hope you all have a wonderful week as well!

[@thebhome]

I am so excited to be starting my garden maybe this year, maybe next year, and just prep this year. I moved to Ohio with my fiancée, I kill succulents, so obviously I am nowhere near a novice/beginner level. But I live on a farm now, a small city girl who never farmed/gardened before, and watching your videos are really helping me do ym research and prep for my garden once I renovated my home.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

If it makes you feel any better- I kill succulents too 😀

[@katie7748]

Several years ago, I managed to under water a cactus. It died. A few years ago I miraculously grew brown thumbs. Every year they get slightly more green instead of brown 😊 I'm hoping after a few more years they'll be a lovely shade of green with no hint of brown or black left.

[@kristinekoerner3535]

Extremely helpful, detailed, and informative. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it!

[@EdnaCeleste1]

So glad I bumped into you. I purchase a blueberry plant and it was fruitful when I purchase it. After that it really has not produce. And your video has taught me a lot!! First thing getting the dirt right and the pot size!! Thank you!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are welcome- best of luck with your blueberry!

[@ReneSSicat]

Very well explained! Great job in detailing the soil, and fertilizer requirements for growing blueberries in a pot! Really very helpful!Thank you!🤓

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful, Rene! You are welcome!

[@hughcourchesne4351]

Excellent explanation of the process of planting blueberries thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@katierayburn9835]

Hi Jenna! Thank you so much for your video. I'm a novice gardener and bought some blueberry plants on a whim. Heard horrid stories about them not growing well in our lovely Georgia clay but wanted to give it a shot anyway. Sooooo thankful to hear I can grow them in containers! So this might be a dumb question, I know that they do better with two but do they need to be in the same container or just near each other? Thanks so much! Clicking subscribe now!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Katie- you are welcome! I prefer to grow them in two separate containers, placed near each other. As blueberries grow, I'm afraid 2 in 1 container would just become too crowded.

[@brookelane8380]

So happy I came across your video. I have two blueberry bushes waiting to be transferred into properly sized containers. You have answered all of my questions in your video, so no more procrastinating. Thanks again!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy planting!!

[@juliemanning]

Love your videos! I also live in Ohio and just bought my first house with enough space for a garden. Can't wait to implement this one, I am a huge blueberry lover.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's awesome, Julie-- enjoy your new home & garden!

[@SaphfireStorm]

Thank you so much!! I got two blueberry bushes last year and the woman at the nursery said they HAVE to be planted in the ground, not containers. I bought them anyway, and put them in the same type of container you had in this video. They were growing ok, and then suddenly just died. The leaves changed color, the berries didn't mature, and the ants were all over it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to try them again. However, with the new information you have given, I may attempt it again. 🤠 I am also in 6A in Massachusetts, so I seriously appreciate your videos 😎

[@AgnieszkaAnka]

Great material. I have an anecdote about birds: My friend who has a large garden and loves blueberries and raspberries bought a lot of their varieties. In the first year, most of the fruit was eaten by the birds, so the next year he bought 4 more bushes of each variety and now says that he has opened a "charity company" to feed the birds. Now he sits near the blueberry bushes, and watches his "clients" eat his blueberries. He noticed that thanks to the fact that his "clients" know his spot, he can count on the fact that when there are no blueberries they / birds / eat all the bugs from the garden, mosquitoes and flies are at a loss ;)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Your friend has a most charitable attitude 😀- his birds are quite lucky!

[@misst.e.a.187]

Great story 😁 Everyone benefits 👍

[@lcchio]

I live in 4A, mountains in Montana. I am going to try growing blueberries in pots. The information in this video was very helpful.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@katieyungen1647]

Jenna, we appreciate your videos SO MUCH!!! We are in the same zone and area so your videos are very relevant to us. We love your teaching style and that your information is very clear and easy to understand and you are very encouraging. Would love to come learn from you hands on!! I've been gardening and preserving my whole life and expanding more into year round gardening (just watched your entire cold season playlist, I am thinking and planning ahead). We have been harvesting lettuce, spinach, kale, asparagus and rhubarb and have peas blossoming and broccoli starting to head. Some tomatoes and peppers blossoming in a small greenhouse. I would love to grow some items year round. One thing I noticed is how loose your soil seems to be even though you have native clay soil... how do you achieve that? Just tons of organic matter? Sorry for a long comment! Thankyou for the wonderful content! ❤👏

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much- I really appreciate this, Katie! I'm so excited to hear you're expanding into year-round gardening. Regarding the soil- I've done a lot of work with it- check out this video on some of the techniques I've used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4SaooSMhN9-bck

[@ernestkusinakampusa]

Watched your video just now and I am from Ohio too. This year going to plant blueberry on a pot since I don’t have enough space on my backyard. I can’t wait to do it tomorrow and I will take some videos on it. Thank you for this informative video.

[@ChrisWilliams-lb7tr]

Ohio also, I haven't had luck with blueberries yet. I'm determined this year to succeed, the best wine I've made has been from blue berry! Great video, thank you!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ooh- I've never tried blueberry wine!

[@christianb1176]

"Blessed art thou in the South, for thou shalt have copious blueberries."

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So lucky!

[@lisamarr9116]

Best video on how to grow blueberries that I have ever seen!! Thank you! Subscribed ❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow, thank you!

[@bethpotts-mee8730]

Great video! I am in 10ab I love container gardening because my house/yard has harsh temperature swings & I can move things to accommodate. But I want the half wine barrels to be more portable!! Fruit trees have specific needs & I have been able to learn so much from channels like yours I subscribed & look forward to connecting!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you, Beth. What a smart idea- using containers to deal with your harsh growing conditions! I've resorted to moving my larger containers with a dolly- which isn't always the easiest, but some of them are so heavy I can't lift them by myself. I just spied this handy product the other day www.amleo.com/potwheelz-small-pot-mover/p/PW250?mkwid=GsWWS7fC&pcrid=&msclkid=331c5502a25a15e680e634effdef243b but I'm not going to drop $300 to move my pots 😂. Thank you also for subscribing- I appreciate the support!

[@brownsbounty]

Awesome video...thx. I just potted 15 new plants in March. It now mid April and they are all coming alive beautifully.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh good- I'm so glad to hear that! Take care & enjoy those berries when they start fruiting!

[@333pinkelephant333]

I have 2 papers due this week, about 300 pages of reading assignments, on top of whatever chores I have to do ... and for some unknown reason, I'm looking up how to start a blueberry plant. My question is, will a wooden crate work as a blueberry bush pot? I don't have a wooden crate but I thought it would look pretty.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh procrastination at its finest! At least you're doing something productive while avoiding your assignments 😁! A wooden crate will work just fine, as long as it is large enough to accommodate your plant. The only thing to keep in mind with a wooden container is that it will rot away relatively quickly (sometimes within just a few years, depending on the type of wood). But it would look great! Take care!

[@zelprimo]

Very informative and comprehensive video. Very well structured. Greatly appreciated

[@alifaith8006]

Hi, I found your channel today and I am really excited about it because you make some things with planting and gardening that seemed out of reach due to where I live seem doable. I do have a question when you are talking about self pollinating and such do you mean that the best thing to do is plant two different types of blueberry plants and place them close to each other? I'm pretty new to even trying to figure gardening things so I don't have all the language yet. Thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Ali- I'm so glad to hear this! And yes- with most blueberries, you want to plant two different varieties with similar bloom times close to one another so that cross-pollination occurs, leading to larger yields.

[@lookitsrswish6782]

I am so happy I found your channel, I too am in 6A in Ohio and trying to grow blueberry in pots (I have vaccinium razz currently and have more varieties coming (elliott and nocturne). I have two blueberry plants in ground that survived from last year but they don't seem to be *thrilled* about being planted. I did fertilize them early in the spring and they are blooming so we shall see. Fingers crossed for blueberries on the patio this year!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear from a fellow Ohio gardener! Best of luck with your blueberries!

[@theresakelly1915]

Great video! Just curious though, why aren’t more gardeners using a combo of pine needles/coffee grounds which are high in acidic acid to balance the plants nutrition along with crush eggshells? I planted a garden 6 days ago and my carrots tomato’s cucumbers are almost an inch tall and my potato chits have sprouted....all in under a week!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Theresa, glad to hear that your carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes are all doing well- very exciting! I suspect that many folks aren't utilizing these natural products because they either don't have access (I, for one, don't have any pine needles lying around) OR they are unsure how to utilize them to get the specific change in pH they are looking for. I'd love to hear your process. I prefer to add coffee grounds and eggshells to my compost, as I've found I have better results with them after they've broken down fully rather than adding them in an uncomposted state to growing media. Thanks for watching & have a great week!

[@robingalloway3541]

I have a question...oh wait! You answered it. This happened at least 3 times! Great tutorial!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m so glad to hear this, Robin! I try to be as thorough as possible 😊

[@justin1730]

Pro-mix is a peat-based potting mix. It is hard to avoid when growing blueberries. Peat has a naturally low pH. You can use extra fine fir or pine bark as a substitute, but it is not quite the same. A very good mix for blueberries is 3 parts peat/fir bark, 2 parts General Hydroponics Coco-tek, and 1 part non-burning cow manure. Use a gypsum/sulfur mix to lower pH, and feed with Miracle-Gro Miracid for the first 1-2 years. When they are grown, switch to an organic berry fertilizer. All coco coir is not the same. Most brands are almost entirely pith, with very little fiber. Coco-tek is more like finely granulated husk, with a good balance of fiber and pith.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing!

[@troyaparish]

Wow, very knowledgeable, you certainly did your homework! Thank you for sharing this wealth of information on container-gardening blueberries! Thank you especially for sharing your growing zone being mindful of viewers that may live in colder growing zones. Many thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@JulesGardening]

Pretty much all you can do. Had an old timer, nursery, went from commercial to retail, asked him if he had blueberries he said "I don't know anyone that can grow them around here." ha ha ha ha, end of that. Excellent and smart video Jenna. Good luck with the hits. Be well!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It is indeed. After spending a lot of time & energy battling against nature, it seemed kind of silly to keep trying to grow them in-ground here! Thank you!

[@peggyadrogemuller660]

Love your blueberry planting instructions!! I am going to be planting my first blueberries this week, living in Sierra foothills at about zone 8-9. Hopefully more be will be wonderful!! They will be in pots, and my pots are the 24” wide and 30” deep so I can nourish them and baby them on the cold winter time. Thank you so much, I feel very optimistic after studying your video!! God bless you😀

[@peggyadrogemuller660]

Ps. I also have very hard clay soil, and lots of rocks. Can’t wait to get back into the dirt every day.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy planting, Peggy! I hope your blueberries do great!

[@pablonerino]

Nice video! I just tell you that the common mycorrhizae that are useful for all plants are not suitable for blueberries, which need ericiod mycorrhizae.. unfortunately not so easy to find in the store! Difficult but not impossible ;) Greetings from Italy

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This is fascinating! It's this kind of thing that makes me wish I had all the time in the world to research! I appreciate you sharing this information and I can't wait to learn more about (and experiment with) the different types of mycorrhiza and their applications. Thank you and have a wonderful week!

[@bowmag803]

Here is how I grow blueberries in pots I make a mound of pine bark in a 25 gallon pot put plant on top of mound and then filled around it with more pine bark and top it with miracle grow potting soil and water it in. I grow rabbit eyes bushes

[@ivorygilyard2243]

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. Can I ask if there are holes at the bottom of that barrel? And how often do you water this plant? thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ivory Gilyard good morning! I’m glad you found the video helpful. There are holes for drainage in the bottom- I would always recommend a planter with drainage holes. In the spring & fall, (during cooler weather with more rainfall), I find that I only need to water once a week. Through the hot summer months, I’m typically watering 2-3 times per week. I have a lot of potted plants on the patio that I’m watering, so I typically just hit all of them with the garden hose. I’ll leave the hose on the blueberries till I feel like the soil is good and saturated, maybe a minute’s worth of watering, and move on. Hope this helps and have a wonderful weekend!

[@JenniferD.-wt4uj]

I love your videos, keep it coming 😊!!!

[@ziaddarwiche1098]

I have been trying to grow blueberries in ground for the past 10 years and I failed ..I will try your way ..thank you !!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I truly hope the container method works for you! I know how frustrating it can be to try and try to grow something and it just doesn't work. Best wishes for wonderful blueberries and take care!

[@theresakelly1915]

Add coffee grounds to the potting soil and pine needles around the top of the plant to feed acid to your blueberries. Oh and add crushed eggshells to the potting soil and only feed with rain water you’ve collected in buckets or coolers for at least the early stages of the plants growth! The results will be amazing!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@theresakelly1915 I missed this comment- so disregard my comment re: I'd love to hear your process". Thanks for sharing. I'm curious if you've done a pH test on the soil you've amended this way versus unamended soil? That would be really interesting! Thanks again.

[@theresakelly1915]

@@GrowfullywithJenna, I add coffee grounds to the potting soil and crushed yard egg eggshells. When the plant springs up to keep it fed I stuff pine needles around the plant like you would a mulch only about 1/4 the amount of mulch so It slowly seeps into the soil. One of reasons you don’t see grass in a forest with pine trees except in an open meadow is because the acidic acid in the pine needles is so high is kills off grass, it’s fantastic for growing certain veggies and plants! The other trick is that I only water my plants with rain water that I’ve collected in coolers and buckets! ALL plants love rain water! There is a huge different in the health of your plants if they are drinking city water vs rainwater!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@theresakelly1915 Thank you for taking the time to provide all of this information!

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I just put 2 blueberry bushes in 2 25gallon grow bags-Elliot and another variety I can’t think of. I mulched mine with pine needles from a tree in the woods behind my house.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Mulching with pine needles is a great idea!

[@xuyahfish]

Coconut coir is worse in N America ... processing, chemical rinses, transportation, etc. Canadian peat is responsible.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've continued to try to learn about the coir/peat thing for the couple of years since I posted this video. I'm starting to think peat is the more responsible option in the northern US & Canada.

[@pn3940]

I mix mine with at least a quarter bark chips and they're doing well the last 3 years.

[@PopeyeModesto]

Thank you so much for this informative video. No wonder my pink lemonade blueberries aren't doing well, I'm doing literally everything wrong. Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome! I hope that you are able to turn those plants around & get them growing right. I've found that blueberries are fairly care-free once you get the soil acidity/fertility on point. Best of luck!

[@PopeyeModesto]

@@GrowfullywithJenna will do! Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@PopeyeModesto you're welcome!

[@horrido666]

I've been working on my bed for six years now, with a combination of wood chips and sulfur. My plants are finally starting to take off. If you use the sulfur method, you must have a very high organic content in your soil, thus the wood chips. I add extra nitrogen to compensate for the wood chips drawing nitrogen during decomposition.

[@rkgarg20]

do you need to keep the container indoor in winter in ohio?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for the question- as I mentioned in the video, I'm in 6a Ohio and I typically surround the base of the container with straw bales (thereby mimicking the insulation of being in-ground) or bring them into an unheated greenhouse for the winter. I've also left my potted blueberries outside unprotected and they've survived some of our milder winters. Blueberries do typically need to meet a chill hour requirement (hours the plant spends at or below 45F0- chill hour requirements vary by cultivar) to produce fruit, so you wouldn't want to bring them into a space which is going to be warmer than 45F. I hope this helps! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

[@jenniferk4083]

Im a newbie gardener in NE ohio-so happy i found you! Im flying through your videos, thanks for sharing all your knowledge! Adding blueberries to my list for next year my kids would be so thrilled! 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello Jennifer! I'm happy you found me AND very happy you've taken up gardening!! I hope you have a wonderful season and enjoy planting those blueberries next year. Take care!

[@suzannedixon7450]

Instead of using bird netting which is draped right onto the bush, I plan to use cages made of hardware cloth and one by ones. the plan is to build them tall enough to allow for future growth and wide enough for the same purpose. They will stand up on their own and due to the small holes the birds could not steal any fruit even if some were close to the hardware cloth. Two OPPOSITE corners are planned to be hinged in a manner to allow the cage to be folded flat when not in use. When using them, all you need to do is gently put them over your plant. The intention is to completely cover the pot clear down to the surface it sits on, leaving no openings for little thieves.

[@suzannedixon7450]

Looking at the plans again, I realize that all 4 corners may need hinges.

[@suzannedixon7450]

One thing I did not say, the top is to be covered by a lid that has hardware cloth on it. It is meant to fit tightly onto the top separately.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This sounds like a fantastic way to keep those critters out, Suzanne! You will definitely benefit from having such a well thought out design. Thank you for sharing!

[@Geeksmithing]

Then bunnies will nibble the bird netting at the ground level, allowing a nice access point for all interested birds to find their way in, but subsequently not being able to find their way out...thus annihilating each and ever berry while being the best bird trap in the neighborhood.. Ask me how I know. :D

[@AraceaeFanatics]

Many of us know the Spagnum usage risks to wildlife, and the eventual depletion and possible extinction, but until it stops being available, the realization won't be real enough for the use of it in potting soil to hault globally.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I believe you are correct Paul, as this seems to be the way humans behave with most all of our resources. What is your opinion on companies that claim to be harvesting peat sustainably?

[@AraceaeFanatics]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I think that sales people are sales people. At the end of the day they have to make money to provide for themselves and families. The possibility that they will lie to make the sale is greater than them not. I believe it is doable, but it doesn't recover fast enough for the harvesting to be worthy of the tools and time and turn a profit.

[@jgm3796]

Indeed, and isn’t Pro-Mix organic garden mix mostly sphagnum peat moss?

[@AraceaeFanatics]

@@jgm3796 the majority of OEM household names use it as a main ingredient in their mixes.

[@jjbackwoods6700]

Very informative video! I’m Ohio also , I bought and killed 5 blueberry bushes 2 yrs ago. You won me over with this 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck if you try planting them again!

[@PrepperAction]

Very informative video, just bought a blue berry bush, O’Neal verity, I got a couple flowers but they fell off and didn’t fruit. The soil ratio mix you have in this video, I will try out. Thanks! 😊 Btw, I love the birds singing through out your video.

[@johnritchie4801]

Thank you I live Near Dayton and I have a problem with Alkali soil This Video is such a breath of fresh Air. I am excited to go and try again.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello neighbor! So good to hear from you, and thank you for the kind words. I do hope you give blueberries a try again-- best wishes for great results! Take care & happy 1st day of Spring!

[@imianco8079]

really like your thorough relevant scientific explanations.. i am new gardener and just expanding my knowlege! thank you & now following!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you- and I’m so glad to hear you’ve decided to start gardening- I hope this season is a good one for you!

[@jerryleopold1430]

Perfect timing, I have one gifted blueberry and another variety on the way. Perpetual failure in the past trying in ground Iowa not this time. 2 varieties in a 40 gallon with hopefully the perfect soil mix. Thank you! Glad I subscribed. 😁🌱🌱🌱

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck with those berries!

[@pamd7670]

I’m in Ohio and also in 6a grow zone. I’m excited to learn more from this channel! Glad I found you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Awesome! Thank you, Pam. It's great to hear from fellow Ohioans!

[@anniesmith1673]

Another Ohioan here! Yay!!! Yesterday, I bought three big pots and all the soil and amendments. My blueberries have been suffering for three years in the ground. I have clay soil and it’s a bugger to work with and the blueberries are not happy. From now on, no more suffering for them.They’re getting dug up and put in the pots. I, too, have one ka-bluey plus two other varieties. Can’t wait to see how they do. Thanks for the video.

[@mnvn]

Sweet!. I’m going to try this in Calgary!. I have glacial clay soil it’s the bane of my existence

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope it works well for you!

[@BrendaBodwin]

Who needs a blueberry farm? Some to eat, some to freeze for pies or with cream or on cereal. This is a great idea. I miss the fresh blueberries in Michigan. Cultivated and wild.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- I'd be happy just having enough extra to freeze... not to that point yet! My kids eat everything I can grow fresh off the bushes.

[@BrendaBodwin]

@@GrowfullywithJenna One of natures candies. Healthy, and, keeps the kiddos happy. Maybe when you get a few more plants. 😁👍🏻

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Jenna you are a winner 🏆

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😊

[@imbrudedsoul]

I’m in Twinsburg! Just put my berries in yesterday- 70/30 peat moss, compost. Soil acidifier, bat guano and mulch, can’t wait for them to take off.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello fellow Ohioan! Sounds like a great mix for blueberries- those should do really well for you! Take care & have a great week.

[@tpangle17]

Oh my goodness! I am so happy to have found your channel! I am in NW Ohio, zone 6, and clay soil!! It is so hard to find gardening advice for my particular area!!! I'm so excited to go through your videos!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Welcome, Teresa! I'm excited that you're here!

[@johnjude2685]

You might be surprised, There is a pick your own blueberries on Route 23 near Circleville Ohio thinking just north a few miles and on the west side of 23. I also watch Gardener Scott and on his Monday Chat show he just said best to prepare soil a few months ahead is beneficial. I've a white plastic barrel and going to get it set up Thanks and you are still my best advisor

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Interesting! I may have to check them out. I wonder if it’s possible that they are sitting on a pocket of soil that is naturally a bit more acidic. Thanks!

[@johnjude2685]

Next trip passing them,I'll check for their business name phone number and address I'm going past it couple times a month. I couldn't find the Longhorn peppers anywhere, But after getting Gipsy Hybrid I've discovered that is a cross between the Longhorn and Bell peppers so sounds great for me testing, We have stuff peppers 4-5 days all season and I've never said I've had to many. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@johnjude2685 That would be fantastic! Gypsy is a great variety- I've grown that one in the past as well. The bullhorn type that I grew this year are the Triple Delight Mix from Gurneys Seed: www.gurneys.com/product/sweet-pepper-triple-delight-mix

[@litastar2455]

i have a potted blueberries and they are doing GREAT, i am moving to an apartment , so it works for me

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear that your blueberries are doing great! Take care!

[@ramankin]

Jenna, just found your channel and love your way of thoroughly explaining things. Subscribed!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much!

[@joannford5860]

Awezome, learned something new about planting Blueberry plant in a pot also with acid mix sojl.

[@elaineb.9342]

I just found this and what is really helpful is that I also live in Zone 6A. I am located in a suburb of Youngstown and was wondering if you are close by. This is awesome!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful! You are on the opposite side of the state, and quite a bit North as compared to me- but it's always great to hear from fellow Ohioans!

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

Wow .. excellent video 🔥🔥👍👍 good information.. thank you Also, how about adding black coffee ground waste to the soil everyday after making coffee to make the soil more acidic? Just a thought

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've often seen the recommendation to add coffee grounds to help lower soil pH due to coffee's acidic nature. However, most soil experts will advise you to make sure those grounds are composted before adding to soil you're planting in. Raw coffee grounds can actually be too acidic even for acid loving plants and they can create mold bloom where they are spread. I found this article from Mike McGrath of 'You Bet Your Garden' very interesting, if you'd like more detail: www.gardensalive.com/product/using-coffee-grounds-correctly I hope this helps and have a wonderful weekend!

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

@@GrowfullywithJenna ok cool thanks.. good info ..

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

@@GrowfullywithJenna by the way, do you have moringa or curry leaves? I have both just in case you need them 😀 moringa grows super fast .. I’m sure you already know that it’s a superfood .. both the leaves and the drumsticks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@MalluStyleMultiMedia I’ve grown moringa as an annual here, but never tried curry leaves

[@debbiewedoe2564]

Thanks for all the great tips. 🌞

[@altre6362]

Hi Jenna, Alexis here in zone 5, can't wait for my greenhouse to show up. Such a well put together video. Thank you for sharing.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Alexis! You are welcome. Enjoy that new greenhouse!

[@hibiscus-dreams]

Hi Alexis, which greenhouse did you order? How are you liking it? I have a small walk in but am looking for a secondary - and I'm in zone 6b.

[@tammydepew5236]

I’ve been wanting to find out how to make blueberry potting soil mix and this just popped up. I definitely related ti what you were saying with the birds stealing all the fruit at once, my squirrels do that to my fruit trees every year with out fail.

[@verenamaharajah6082]

Here in Britain it’s called Ericaceous soil. We buy it in bags from garden centres.

[@opportunisticobserver]

You can also use pine needles to add acidity to the soil! Great point on the peat moss and environmental impacts on the wildlife