Backyard Blueberries HELP

[Bullfighter]

I live in Calgary and planted some blueberries in the backyard this spring. Have had numerous people tell me their blueberry growing failures. Would really appreciate any keys to success.

First, I found a real sunny spot near a big old spruce tree to plant the 8 bushes, so the soil should be acidic. I understand that planting near a big spruce is good for soil acidity but need to keep watered as spruce will suck it up. Secondly , I had planted 4 different types of varietals (North Country, Sky, Blue, Land).

I'm aware of two factors to help to make yourself successful;
1) Need acidic soil (4-6PH), and
2) Plant multiple varieties for best pollination and yield

Are there any other points to consider? Appreciate any shouts out!

As an aside, this is our first spring at this house and we also planted the following: Red Plum, Gold Plum, Nanking, Western Sandcherry, Goodland Apple, Honeycrisp apple, Zestar Apple, Haskups, Romeo Cherry, Juliet Cherry, Raspberries.

Cheers!
Bullfigher

[Fish along]

Originally Posted by Bullfighter

I live in Calgary and planted some blueberries in the backyard this spring. Have had numerous people tell me their blueberry growing failures. Would really appreciate any keys to success.

First, I found a real sunny spot near a big old spruce tree to plant the 8 bushes, so the soil should be acidic. I understand that planting near a big spruce is good for soil acidity but need to keep watered as spruce will suck it up. Secondly , I had planted 4 different types of varietals (North Country, Sky, Blue, Land).

I'm aware of two factors to help to make yourself successful;
1) Need acidic soil (4-6PH), and
2) Plant multiple varieties for best pollination and yield

Are there any other points to consider? Appreciate any shouts out!

As an aside, this is our first spring at this house and we also planted the following: Red Plum, Gold Plum, Nanking, Western Sandcherry, Goodland Apple, Honeycrisp apple, Zestar Apple, Haskups, Romeo Cherry, Juliet Cherry, Raspberries.

Cheers!
Bullfigher

Sounds like you're planting an orchard good for you,I tried blueberries by didn't have much luck,blueberries like open areas in my opinion,I was raised on the Rock and the most abundant were found in open Rocky areas.but good luck you may be onto something

[Fisherpeak]

Anything that grows fruit needs a ton of water once the flowers are off. Deep watering every couple days. That means a hose on low under the bush or tree till it damn near floats away. And keep the sprinkler off the leaves and fruit. It will take a couple years to get good returns, my rasberries are one their third year and I can`t hardly keep up with the fruit.

[Suzukisam]

Do your research blueberries don't like lots of water I have 27 on in my yard when first planted I water lots then the were dying back. Stopped watering them and now they grow like weeds

[Bullfighter]

Agree in that you need to be mindful of watering when fruit is maturing but any thoughts on adding aluminum sulfate to soil to reduce PH?

[EZM]

Originally Posted by Fisherpeak

Anything that grows fruit needs a ton of water once the flowers are off. Deep watering every couple days. That means a hose on low under the bush or tree till it damn near floats away. And keep the sprinkler off the leaves and fruit. It will take a couple years to get good returns, my rasberries are one their third year and I can`t hardly keep up with the fruit.

And ....... there's a 100% guarantee to kill your blueberries.

I water mine maybe twice a year any other water they get comes from rain.