How to grow blueberries the easy way! PH testing, soil, repotting, our fav varieties to grow

A hands on workshop with everything you need to know about growing blueberries in your backyard. They're easier to grow than you think!
► We'll do a pH test together, talk chill hours and the benefits of growing more than one variety. You'll see the 7 varieties we grow.
► We look at an experiment involving planting blueberries in high pH soil and the impact of that on blueberries.
► We'll talk about a plant you should never grow with blueberries. The benefit of growing in pots and what size you need.
► I show you a simple way to get the right soil pH for blueberries. We talk about how to choose potting mix and talk about using sulphur.
► You'll also get to see how I repot our blueberry, and a free mulch that blueberries love.
For a full article guide on how to grow blueberries, check out our website ► melbournefoodforest.com.au/20...
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[@grindcorizer6818]

For those beginners who want to grow *blueberries* in buckets: 01. Bucket 55l (15 gallon) 02. Soil from a pine forest 03. Mix the soil with pine twigs and pine bark 04. Pine bark mulch Purchased soil is dead soil. No doubt. Purchased fertilizer is not as good as slowly decaying pine twigs with pine bark. They gradually give the blueberries nutrients. If you really want to take care of the blueberry, it is a good idea to let pieces of pine bark stand in water for several weeks. As soon as the water "rusts", it also has a low ph, then water them. If you have blueberries in black buckets, they will heat up a lot in the sun and the roots will suffer. Either use white buckets or simply paint the black ones white or wrap them in paper or aluminum foil. One last piece of advice: the more varieties of blueberries, the more fruit you will have. *Failure is not possible with this procedure*

[@sigilfredogaleano6568]

I live in the city. How or where do I get tbe pine bark and soil.? I have one blueberry plant that is not looking g good. It has a few flowers already but very few leaves.

[@grindcorizer6818]

@@sigilfredogaleano6568 Then you have to buy everything

[@Adrian-cw8yu]

my potted blueberry soil mix is 40% peat moss 40% ericaceous compost and 20% pine bark mulch all mixed together and water with just rainwater, and I put the plants in the sunniest spot, they all do great.

[@jadeking1759]

Went to Bunnings yesterday to buy something else, and found 5 blueberry bushes (3 different types) on the clearance trolley! I have never grown them before, but figured the internet would help. Google and gardening sites were confusing me, and I was overwhelmed thinking I was probably going to fail. This video has helped a lot, fingers crossed I get some lovely fruit down the track. Liked and subscribed 😊

[@RachelWashington-rk8jp]

if i make answer,what the name of your blueberry,i have 2 of them the of them Sharp Blue @ Tifblue blueberry tree,my 1st doing them.i see some blueberry on them now.

[@glumrvigmadr]

I’ve had great success with sprinkling unused coffee grinds into my blueberry pots. It helps raise the soil acidity relatively quickly and provides a slow release fertilizer of nitrogen, magnesium and copper.

[@cameronalexander359]

Do a pH test. Used coffee grounds are pH nuetral..they're only acidic before the 'juice' is extracted.

[@AlpacaRenee]

@@cameronalexander359 she said unused

[@glumrvigmadr]

@@AlpacaRenee He; to be fair though, it was a 50/50 choice 😂

[@domfds]

I think by far the best information in simple language for home growers about blueberries growing. Thank you so much. God bless.

[@tinaknutsen]

Firstly; I love your accent; secondly, your presentation was very good! Thirdly; your demeanor is friendly and you come across as a sweetheart….i would love to hang out at a plant nursery with you 😊 Lastly, In America G&B Organics has an acid loving potting mix ( 1.5 Cubic Feet) $12.99 per bag. It is great for blueberries, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Dogwoods, Camilla, gardenias, conifers, ferns…which I have all these acidic loving plants throughout my property….i took horticulture back in the 80’s and have loads of gardening books and love watching gardening videos and visiting gardens all over the world. It’s beautiful, fascinating and I get aww struck. Keep blooming 🌹love from Seattle ❤️💝🫐

[@user-iy5ij8mp6q]

You are so sweet thank you for sharing this information I appreciate it, it has helped me so much, God bless you ❤️🙏🏽

[@PaulLe-jk4uq]

Hi lady Melbourne Foodforest!🌹 First time ever seeing you on line about Blueberries! First, what a lovely pretty lady speaking perfect Australian accent has immensely added attraction to the description, I’m a transplanted myself to America, sometimes I have hard time understanding Aussie and English folks but the more I listen to you all the more I feel closer to you, today you’ve got me hooked!🤩 Thoroughly experienced from various blueberries for better pollination and productivity to experiment Subject to soil acidity testing, VERY NICE! 😀 You’ve got adorable smart kids to help identifying soil acidic colors…. Family involvement, Lovely! The good looking crimson red fruit/ bell hanging in the middle of the metal arch, what is that fruit??? Looks like pomegranate but surrounded vines don’t look like Pom tree?! Thank you much for this video, I enjoy it greatly!!! 🌹🌿🪴🫐💖🇺🇸🤩

[@seemasharma8932]

You are extremely informative and an excellent presenter who takes a scientific approach. Very enjoyable

[@sueredmond8534]

Just bought two blueberry plants and am so thankful for all your great advice.

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thanks Sue, hope they thrive and produce lots of tasty blueberries for you 💚💚

[@melmel2385]

Hi, I’m still confuse with blueberries pruning where I should cutting back/trimming for healthier plant. Could you please show us how you do your printing for sunshine blue thanks xx

[@rochellew6199]

I have watched many different videos regarding blueberries and I must say this video is the best and was Well worth my time

[@andrewlucan9017]

Fabulous video. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you for all the great info

[@binduliyanage1521]

You are a great teacher. No hidden secrets. Thanks 🙏

[@lizahennke9296]

Thanks for sharing! Great tutorial and demonstration ❤

[@gardenhighlightsworm]

Thank you for your video I enjoyed watching

[@thomasmalone2348]

Great stuff! Thanks.

[@tiffanysstoryscraftsandgar5852]

Very good advice... thanks.

[@dorothydrake2951]

This is my first time watching you I love how you take your time explaining the steps I will continue to watch, keep up the good work ❤️

[@Denisescrafts1]

Another fabulous and very informative video. I love how your adorable kids helped with working out the PH of the soil. So cute.

[@RodneyMalone-ug8zf]

Extremely enjoyable video and everything explained is spot on. Totally agree regarding using the acid potting mix formula. Cheers from New Zealand. 👍

[@idoscreamforicecream]

Love this! I learned so much!

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Very glad to hear! 💚💚

[@prayeropensdoor1050]

Thank you great video. I’m starting a blueberry patch on my Homestead and found this information very helpful and informative. ❤️ from 🇨🇦

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thank you, I hope your blueberry patch flourishes 💚💚

[@wonderfulajfam]

Thank you for your tips and knowledge about blueberries. Watching you here from New South Wales cheers mate happy Easter

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thanks mate nice to meet you virtually from NSW. Happy Easter 💚

[@freddieivory625]

Great tips, thanks for sharing, cute kids❤

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thanks Freddie 💚💚

[@gigikate8986]

Great video thank you!

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thanks Gigi 💚💚

[@Sonia-hw3yx]

Hi Jian, I'm so glad to find your channel. As I'm in a temperate region in NSW in the Hunter Valley. It's great to get some tips for gardening, as I'm not sure with some things..

[@eugeniotv5404]

Full watching here my friend Great share sending support👍

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thank you so much 💚

[@alp8409]

Hello Jian, You might be able to try the Honeyberry also known as Haskap (related to honeysuckle). Again doesn’t need ericaceous soil. Not sure you’d get enough chill hours in Melbourne.

[@superbuddyfranklin]

Nice work. Very well explained. You should make videos and put them on KZbin.

[@khuongchu8518]

thank verymus

[@tiffany9720]

Hi can you please show how you grow raspberries too. Thanks heaps.

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Great video! We planted a blueberry hedge last year and hopefully we get some fruit soon 😊

[@dr.greenthumb6535]

You will get small bowl full this year, but the best part is you will get berries from now until your ancient lol at my parent house we have bushes over 100 years old. I bought my house 4 years ago, two years ago I started my 10 bush patch 😇

[@bluebirdhomestead]

@@dr.greenthumb6535 wow that's incredible to have bushes over 100 years old! We planted about 6 different varieties so I am excited to have them established early.

[@dr.greenthumb6535]

@@bluebirdhomestead agreed! and from what I was told each old bush was planted with peat, large pine bark chunks which act as a sponge after year 1 and the key imo is sand yes sand. Blues don't have root hairs so I believe they have a symbiotic relationship. Only fertilizer used Is one cup of Greensand per plant. Add sand to a few pots if you wish to give it a try 🫐

[@bluebirdhomestead]

@@dr.greenthumb6535 Nice, I planted with pine bark mulch as well as well as soil acidifier, and berry tone.

[@ren8240]

How far apart did you plant your Blueberry bushes for your hedge?

[@alp8409]

Hello Jian, If available in Oz, try Saskatoon, also known as June Berries. (In UK they tend to fruit in July). They’re similar to Blueberries but don’t need to be planted in ericaceous soil. In Melbourne they could be ready for Christmas to Chinese Nee Year.

[@alp8409]

Chinese New Year. Oh my fat fingers

[@TheWisendorf]

Oh YEA ! When I used to drive over the road I was up in Canada and bought some saskatoon syrup for pancakes .And wow that was the best syrup I ever tasted.

[@HollyOak]

Amelanchier alnifolia, they are available in Aus.

[@pamelairving1958]

Hi I’m also in Melbourne. Great video thanks! Can you tell me should they be in full sun? Shade? Part shade? I have also enjoyed your posts in Organic Gardener etc. Wonderful!

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thanks very much Pamela! These should definitely be grown in part-shade. There's a lot more detail in our written guide melbournefoodforest.com.au/2022/04/12/how-to-grow-blueberries-the-easy-way/ which we weren't able to cover in the video. Check out "Golden Rule #3". Thanks for your support, glad you've enjoyed my OG articles too 💚

[@justintan296]

Looking good. Where did you buy different varieties of blueberry in Melbourne?

[@deepside7]

Great video. How long do you find the acidity of the potting mix lasts from it's first planting? (ie. How long before I should start adding Sulfur)

[@salomesharp9913]

LOVELY.. Hi good evening watching from England.. I love blueberry muffins.. Yum yum yummy.. Thank you for sharing this video.. Please stay connected.. Love Sally and Paul 🦋🌹🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Thank you Sally! Nice to meet you across the sea from England. Blueberry muffins are the yummiest 💚

[@salomesharp9913]

@@MelbourneFoodforest lovely.. Nice to meet you too.. Happy Easter.. Please stay connected.. Love Sally and Paul 🦋🌹🎶😘

[@poodlepup1]

i bought a blueberry plant from Bunnings.. but the leaves are brown... its several months old.. bought the acid potting mix for roses etc...

[@Itried20takennames]

Can’t tell you what happened, but I have had mixed results with blue berries…..some did well in less than ideal conditions (very hot direct sun), and some that didn’t even fruit this year despite the plant looking very healthy and composted, right pH, bought it a friend to cross pollinate with, etc.

[@johnnybstuddd4482]

Thanks for the great info. Can you transplant blueberries to a different location? Do you have to wait till winter when they are dormant? Do you have to trim blueberries?

[@furiahispanica3823]

Except for Reka and Sunshine never heard of the other varieties must be local Australian cultivars, most of the ones I have are Northern and Southern Highbushes and some Rabbiteyes.

[@chipglover9931]

My berries never have produced alot i do have three diffrent varieties of each! Could this be due to a high ph? I did have them in ground in full sun but have now moved them to pots in a half shaded area! Very informative video! Thanks ! Praise most high YAHUAH

[@irisgraeber2684]

Thank you. How big is the pot you're using, please?

[@Taylorthegood]

organic veggie potting mix here in southern california is at 5.0👌

[@tulsiramdagur9580]

हैलो दोस्त, आपने बहुत परिश्रम से सफलता हासिल किया है।

[@karenbrannen4137]

Where do you get your labels? Thx.

[@poodlepup1]

hi just wondering if you can advise please.... what soil mix do you buy for your vegetables please.. i can only afford stuff from bunnings... not sure if that is what you use as well?

[@greatmindsgreatfuture]

I would re pot the pots with the low levels keep your level an inch below the top that's also the water amount given daily 3 table spoons of acid loving fertilizer

[@helenchen2446]

Dies blueberries plants needs a very sunny position? How many hours sunlight do you think it needs?

[@PeteAU9]

Also have Sunshine Blue, O'Neal and Magnolia in Melbourne and they're delicious. I picked up a couple rabbit-eyes at k-mart for $7 (Brightwell and Powder Blue). They've been growing for one year and I am disappointed by the taste! Have you tried any rabbit-eye varieties? Maybe they don't like Melbourne's weather, it's a bit confusing.

[@pianosnippets]

Hi we also have O'Neal (super early - ripening as soon as November) as well as Elliott (super late - ripening as late as April). They are great in theory but we have found them both a bit delicate. I can recommend Blue Rose as bomb proof. :)

[@Ezyridr]

What variety is your raspberry please? It looks like it might be thornless

[@user-ed2nt4vv2h]

What’s the size of the container?

[@eternalpeace261]

Best blueberry variety for Victoria Australia??

[@naturewoman1274]

I just bought a blueberrie bush that apparently gives fruit for 8 to 10 months, woo hoo

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Yay that's very exciting if that is indeed true, very long harvest season 💚

[@arunachopra2014]

What variety of sweet ,large blueberries should be planted in central Florida, secondly which variety give fruit for longer time

[@arunachopra2014]

What variety

[@SandraTaylor-oz3iy]

What variety please and where did you get it please.

[@ericross4494]

😮

[@dgc940]

Here is something I do. I take PH down that I used in my hydroponic and I mix up 5.5-5.8 water in a water can and water mine because my water from city is around 7.2ish. Think about it. A person works to make a low ph soil then waters it with a high ph water.

[@mbaumery]

I love a nice asian woman with an Australian accent who loves to garden.. But awesome content cause I am about to do blueberries myself

[@ilovecake7107]

This video explains why my blueberry that I planted next to my 80 raspberry canes almost died. I ended up potting it up with premium soil and it's thriving again.

[@williamgomic9112]

may I know if Malaysia soil is suitable to grow blueberry, where can I can get organic blueberry/ raspberries seeds. tks in adv. Godbless

[@Rivenrock]

She says 'Sunshine Blue' is a low-chill hours variety. And if your soil is well drained with a LOT of organic matter and 4.5 to 5.5 PH the soil will be good. They like a huge and amazing amount of organic matter in the soil. I suspect your soil will be good if you add a lot of old leaf mold and such. Your main issue will be chill hours. They need a number of hours between 32F and 45F in winter. (0C to 7C). Most need a few hundred hours of more between that. Super-Low PH is the main thing, that and well-drained. If you need to, you might do as she does and plant in pots.

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Hi William, I think in Malaysia your biggest issue will be temperature. Blueberries do need at least some sort of "winter" to bear fruit. There are low chill varieties but they still require some chill so will be very challenging in a tropical area. The best thing is to check with your local gardening group to see if anyone has successfully grown blueberries in Malaysia 💚

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Great summary thank you 💚

[@TheWisendorf]

Buy the candian spagnum peat. I has a ph around 3 or 4.

[@gphx]

Peat is 3.0-3.8.

[@RubbingPotatoes]

Blueberries are complicated. Not only the ph soil has to be right which is doable, dont they need certain level of 'Chill hours' ? How can you control for that !

[@72matt19]

Just wanted to confirm the size of those pots. They look much bigger than 30cms.

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

Hi Matt they are around 33cm diameter, the camera might be making them appear bigger, or perhaps me being a smaller person accentuates their size 😂

[@72matt19]

@@MelbourneFoodforest ha ha, thanks for the reply. I potted up 3 blueberry plants on the weekend into 35cm diameter pots, in azalea potting mix. Fingers crossed for a good crop later this year. Thanks for the videos.

[@ibnamanot]

Hello, I have a question. How do I maintain the potting-soil pH level over the years? I have heard that the soil loses it’s pH due to watering as it gets flushed with water and also water has alkaline in it.

[@mrbun99]

Need to add a soil acidifier. It’s easier to control the pH of soil in pots. I’m using Epsoma’s acidifier every month and my blueberries are loving it. I’ve heard coffee grounds work for some, but I have yet to experiment with it.

[@ibnamanot]

@@mrbun99 thank you

[@MichaelJohnson-ux7pe]

I'm about to plant these two blueberry seedlings in their own containers but tested the PH in the soil and it's reading almost 7.5. Is it safe to still plant these?

[@Edin116]

They need a PH that is ideally between 4.0 and 5.5 to properly absorb nutrients. They can tolerate about 6.0 but will struggle. For your seedlings you can use Aluminum Sulfate which is water soluble to rapidly reduce the soil pH down to 5.5, but should be replaced with sulfur pellets once your seedlings mature and potting/bed mix should be a large part combined spag peat moss and shredded pine mulch.

[@MichaelJohnson-ux7pe]

Ok thank you for this info I am very new to growing Blueberries.

[@Edin116]

@@MichaelJohnson-ux7peforgot to put this in the original message: if you have already planted the seedlings before you read my message, you should very slowly lower the soil pH to avoid shocking/stressing the seedlings. If you haven't planted them just lower the pH normally. Also blueberries are very shallow rooted and hate having very wet roots, if you see fungus gnats you're watering too much. If your area freezes and you're going to leave them outside in a pot, the minimum recommended size is 5 gallons, with a layer shredded pine mulch, even as a seedling so it has enough thermal mass to survive winter.

[@MichaelJohnson-ux7pe]

Thank you for all of your help on this. We live in east central Alabama. I'm going to have to go and get some Aluminum Sulfate. How much would you say I should use since they are potted already? Thanks 🙂

[@Edin116]

@@MichaelJohnson-ux7pe I actually haven't used any in the last 2 years so I can't really say. Maybe a quarter of a teaspoon spread out over all your plants in starter pots with some PH testing afterwards. Aim for a PH of 5. Too much aluminum sulfate is toxic to plants, which is why I said to used pelletized sulfur past the starting pots.

[@perrysivo4844]

Hi Jian, awesome video as always. There are two dodgy commercials in the middle of this one :(

[@greatmindsgreatfuture]

30 cm pot's with a 60 cm tray keeps you only worrying about every day watering

[@willelliott8546]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@growingwithpanda6935]

Very interesting an Asian woman with an Australian accent or European accent I absolutely 💯 love you. consider me a new SUBSCRIBER.. ROCK ON BEAUTIFUL...❤️🐼🌻

[@MelbourneFoodforest]

💚💚💚

[@tanguihong]

Your blueberry plants are not happy.

[@garyjohnson801]

My Rabbiteye blueberries and producing great in a 7 ph and is always green

[@sunshinedayz2172]

Where do you purchase rabbit eye blueberries ?