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ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => GARDENING AROUND THE HOUSE => Topic started by: Shawn on January 02, 2010, 05:41:48 pm

Title: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 02, 2010, 05:41:48 pm
I am thinking of ordering a collection of blueberrys from the below link. I know nothing about blueberrys and dont really like the taste of them. Im only planting for the bees and to have another type of plant I can profit from. I read you need really acidic soil, ph4 to 4.5. I have sandy soil here so how would you add the acid? Do the blueberrys spread by root? Any info would be great.

http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx (http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx)
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: HAB on January 02, 2010, 06:27:18 pm
Seems a bit pricey for my wallet. 
This last year my neighbor sold hundreds of dollars worth of u-pick Blueberries.  He has several varieties.
Earlier in the year he made 150 cuttings and ended up with about 100 plants.  If I help him with the labor (he's 80yrs old) he'll do 300 and go 50/50 with me.  He figures it will take about four hours to cut, trim, dip in root tone, and plant them in his bed.  Add in four hours of Bee Talk and it sounds like a great day!! :bee: :bee: :bee:
Know anyone that will let you take a few cuttings?  They are easy to root.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 02, 2010, 06:31:45 pm
I dont even think I know anyone around for miles and miles that grow blueberrys. Im not even sure they will grow here.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Irwin on January 02, 2010, 06:32:35 pm
When is the best time to take the cuttings.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: HAB on January 02, 2010, 07:52:26 pm
Try this method of rooting Blueberries=

http://www.ehow.com/video_5727067_root-blueberry-plants-cuttings.html (http://www.ehow.com/video_5727067_root-blueberry-plants-cuttings.html)
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Bee Happy on January 02, 2010, 11:27:10 pm
we have them here - and sandy soil (had to compost a PILE of leaves for the garden) I imagine your county agriculture agent may do a soil test for you. (you can also ask the agent if your climate is suitable for them)

$46 a plant does sound kind of steep I know they propagate from seed, but I've only had them come up when they wanted to; none I've tried planting ever came to anything.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Sparky on January 03, 2010, 12:55:28 am
I agree Shawn. That is to much to pay for 6 plants. Do some searches for on line sources and you will find a big list that sell cheaper. There is sure to be some varieties that will grow in your zone. A couple of sources to start, below. They do like acidic soils and they have a shallow root structure that spreads under the peat moss that keeps them from loosing moisture. http://www.danfinch.com/berrys.htm (http://www.danfinch.com/berrys.htm)    http://www.alcasoft.com/winfrey/ (http://www.alcasoft.com/winfrey/)  
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: lakeman on January 03, 2010, 10:44:10 am
Too pricey, first check with your county agent, and see what varietys are acceptable for your state, mine probably would not do for you, and types for your area would not do here. Then go to craigs list, and search for a grower in your area, that is propagating them. last spring I got 60 plants for the price you are considering for 6 plants. Plus they will probably not all survive.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: alfred on January 03, 2010, 12:01:15 pm
Blueberries are really hard to grow here on the Colorado Front range I will guess that they are difficult to grow where you are as well. I have been told that what you want to do is use a lot of peat for acidicy. Basically bury a bale of it and plant the blueberries in it is what I was told by a local master gardener. I decided to skip it and I really like Blueberries. Instead I grow other things like raspberries or strawberries or other flowering plants that do well in our soil that the girls like. Have you seen them on the Hissop or the Russian sage? I also have Trumpetvine, Beebalm and Mint that I have to cut back all of the time and they love my lavender.  I think your neck of the woods is known for the fruit trees and vineyards. Or how about clover, buckwheat, or alfalfa if you want to get really serious?  So lots of choices without having to fight the local climate and soil.

 Why work so hard to grow Blueberries why not grow something else that will do better and easier? Seems like a lot of trouble and expense especially if you don't like them. The Blueberries will require that you amend any soil that you use. So if you plan on expanding the patch to a point where they are a significant source for your girls you will be buying tons of peat. So many other things you could grow, maybe even something you actually like.


Just my thoughts,
Alfred

Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Kathyp on January 03, 2010, 12:11:18 pm
check with your master gardeners.  there are so many kinds of blueberries now, you may be able to find some for your area.  we grow them here and they are a joy.  the bees love them and we do too.  if you can find a variety that will grow for you, they are worth it. 
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: wetland bee on January 03, 2010, 02:30:19 pm
Boyers Nursery ,Biglerville Pa  good price, I have always been happy with their Quality
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: wetland bee on January 03, 2010, 02:31:48 pm

Boyers Nursery ,Biglerville Pa  good price, I have always been happy with their Quality
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 03, 2010, 08:29:30 pm
Alfred, I have most of the plants you said but I was looking for a plant, bush, tree that I could bennefit from, getting a crop. I have 10 raspberry plants, few strawberrys, and Cindi got me stuck on the hyssop plants. I planted 10 fruit trees last year along with a good garden. I will only have one hive left at my house this spring and the rest are going to the country for teh alfalfa fields. I just saw a deal on elderberries and they looked neat.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Brian D. Bray on January 04, 2010, 05:00:51 pm
You can get a good blueberry kit of 6 bushes from Stark or some other nursery for either northern or southern climates.  Each kit has 3 varities for better polination and comes with a box of soil conditioner for changing the ph.  With a sandy soil I'd recommend rototilling so grass clippings or leaves into the soil to lower the ph also.  Another way to do it is to bury pruning clippings about 12 inches deep and plant the bushes over them.  The clippings will hold moisture as they rot and will keep the ph lower for a longer period than just grass clippings or leaves.
Last I checked a 6 bush kit cost around $40.00.  The next question is how many do you want.  If you plan to grow for resale you'd most likely want more than 6 bushes say a dozen?  I have 6 bushes for my own use.  plant them about 4 feet apart as the regular sized bushes will grow to 6-8 feet tall and become almost a hedge at 4 foot spacing.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 04, 2010, 06:05:37 pm
I looked the elderberry and dont think that would be a good thing, due to they can not be eaten raw according to diferent sources. Ive talked to some older generation people that have lived in the area and they said "they think" blueberrys will grow. I just want enough product to sustain my family and maybe give to family. The link I posted is a set of three different varietys but according to most is to expensive. Ill try looking around for cheaper plants if they say they have high yields.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: suz on January 04, 2010, 07:13:58 pm
Shawn,
I checked the Nourse website. I think they mean 1 collection is $46. They say 2 ea. of 3 varities for a total of 6 plants per collection.  You could call and ask.  They are located in the Northeast so the types may not be good for your area. I have grown them all here in Maine and had great luck with them. But we are known for acid soil. If you really want to grow them in your sandy soil you will need to add compost as well as the peat. It's hard to get peat to take up moisture if it has been allowed to dry out. Also the very best top mulch is at least 4" of pine needles. As they break down they will continue to acidify your soil. Who knows maybe homegrown blueberries will agree with your tastebuds. : ) 
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 04, 2010, 07:28:40 pm
Yes it is 6 one year old plants of different variets for $46.00. Ill probably call them, tell them where I am and what kind of soil and see if they suggest a type of bush or maybe they dont have anything that will work.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Mason on January 05, 2010, 12:48:40 pm
I checked my latest issue of GA Farmers and Consumers and there were plenty of people selling gallon jug blueberry plants for $1-$2 each.

Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: lakeman on January 05, 2010, 05:31:47 pm
Yes it is 6 one year old plants of different variets for $46.00. Ill probably call them, tell them where I am and what kind of soil and see if they suggest a type of bush or maybe they dont have anything that will work.

This is still an excessively high price. your one year old plants are only going to be rooted sticks.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: b reeves on January 05, 2010, 09:07:45 pm
Just planted 100 plants, put down ground pine bark mulch in rows about 10 inches deep, planted plants in the mulch not in the ground, installed micro sprinklers, make sure you plant a variety that blooms past your last freeze/frost date, the blooms dont hold much interest to bees, not a big source of nectar or pollen
Bob
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Cindi on January 18, 2010, 11:58:11 pm
I grow blueberry bushes, the don't bear fruit for a few years, think maybe something like 3 years?  Blueberries require quite a lot of moisture to grow properly and the pH is a really important thing too.  There are many ways to keep the moisture in the soil where you grow your bushes.  Enjoy, nothing nicer than a fresh picked handful of yummy berries that are blue.  Have that great, most awesomely wonderful day, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: lakeman on January 19, 2010, 08:19:43 am
check here for blueberry plants

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/grd/1559603948.html (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/grd/1559603948.html)
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 19, 2010, 07:07:49 pm
I wanted to buy some but I dont think I have the room for 500  :shock:. Thanks for all the post. I believe Ill check locally if not then Ill order a package deal of 6.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Sparky on January 19, 2010, 07:40:12 pm
I wanted to buy some but I dont think I have the room for 500  :shock:. Thanks for all the post. I believe Ill check locally if not then Ill order a package deal of 6.
Come on Shawn go for the 500. Think, you can feed the hungry. There are plenty of hungry beekeeps on this list.  :-D
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: reinbeau on January 24, 2010, 12:41:21 pm
I am thinking of ordering a collection of blueberrys from the below link. I know nothing about blueberrys and dont really like the taste of them. Im only planting for the bees and to have another type of plant I can profit from. I read you need really acidic soil, ph4 to 4.5. I have sandy soil here so how would you add the acid? Do the blueberrys spread by root? Any info would be great.

http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx (http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx)
I'm late to this thread but I have to say, that's going price from many nurseries, and Nourse's is probably one of the best there is.  Six six year old plants for  $46.00 really is a good price for plants that are ready to produce.  Sure, you could root cuttings, but you'd have to grow for six years to get the same plant!  I would buy this collection with confidence and no, I have no financial interest in them.  You get what you pay for.

As for growing blueberries in your area, you'll have to check with local gardeners or farmers about your soil conditions and growing climate.  Blueberries grow well all around our area here (where Nourse is located, actually), so we can basically stick them in the ground and expect a crop - not so much in other areas of the country, particularly if you have sweet or alkaline soil.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: lakeman on January 24, 2010, 03:14:35 pm
I am thinking of ordering a collection of blueberrys from the below link. I know nothing about blueberrys and dont really like the taste of them. Im only planting for the bees and to have another type of plant I can profit from. I read you need really acidic soil, ph4 to 4.5. I have sandy soil here so how would you add the acid? Do the blueberrys spread by root? Any info would be great.

http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx (http://www.noursefarms.com/catalog/Product/COLLECTIONS/BB-COLL/All%20Season%20Blueberry%20Collection.aspx)
I'm late to this thread but I have to say, that's going price from many nurseries, and Nourse's is probably one of the best there is.  Six six year old plants for  $46.00 really is a good price for plants that are ready to produce.  Sure, you could root cuttings, but you'd have to grow for six years to get the same plant!  I would buy this collection with confidence and no, I have no financial interest in them.  You get what you pay for.

As for growing blueberries in your area, you'll have to check with local gardeners or farmers about your soil conditions and growing climate.  Blueberries grow well all around our area here (where Nourse is located, actually), so we can basically stick them in the ground and expect a crop - not so much in other areas of the country, particularly if you have sweet or alkaline soil.



I think you will find that these 2 yr old plants fron nourse farms are a long way from producing, and not ready to give you an immediate crop.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on January 24, 2010, 08:33:14 pm
Im not really looking for a crop at this time just looking for quality plants that will one day produce.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on March 22, 2010, 07:27:30 pm
Well Walmart just got their first shipment of blueberries in and they are asking $10.00 a plant. The plants did not look all that great but one or two already had blooms on them. I thought 10 was too much so still looking.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on March 23, 2010, 12:15:47 pm
Just called the extension office and found out the soil here is in the high 7.5 to 8 for ph. I thought I would have to add stuff to increase the PH but now I have to figure out how to lower the PH. 
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: wfuavenger on March 23, 2010, 06:03:16 pm
spent coffee grounds work well at acidifying and fertilizing the ground....
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Natalie on March 25, 2010, 12:16:39 pm
You don't want to be any higher than 5.0 for blueberries.
I just found this thread but I have dealt with Nourse and they are a good nursery.
I stopped by there last year and they have some beautiful stock.
I have personally ordered those blueberries from Nourse this year. Around here that is a good price and they are known for their quality.
I have looked at Stark, Miller, Raintree and other nurseries and they are only selling plants in a 4 inch pot and some of their prices are even higher than Nourse.
At nourse your root stock will be a minimum of a foot and a half tall, better than a 4 inch pot.
One of the catalogs is charging $26.50 for their "jumbo" size plants.
If you check their website and read the descriptions of each type they describe where they will do best and you can also call them for advice on that as well.
They also guarantee their stock so there is that.
You aren't worried about getting a crop this year, just getting them in the ground for next year if you feel confident about what you are getting from Nourse I would go ahead and order from them.
The cheaper deal is not always the better deal and I have found that when it comes to buying any type of plants, berry shrubs, fruit trees, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: luvin honey on April 15, 2010, 09:12:32 pm
The cheaper deal is not always the better deal and I have found that when it comes to buying any type of plants, berry shrubs, fruit trees, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
Absolutely!!

from,

Someone Who Bought the Cheapskate Deal and 6 Years
Later STILL Does not Have Blueberries
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: gundalf on June 08, 2010, 08:55:16 am
Blueberries love pine needles...   We use them to acidify the soil for ours...
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: mdaniels on June 08, 2010, 09:23:29 pm
I do not work for Nourse, but we order all but our apple trees from them and they are great.  If you do call them they will most assuredly advise you on what will grow in your area or refer you to someone more local to you.  They are well rated and a good company.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: AllenF on June 08, 2010, 09:38:09 pm
Our blueberries.  15 year old bushes that were pull up from the ground as spouts about a foot or two high and just planted in the ground one cold winter.   They are not pruned, cut, fed, watered, or have anything else done to them.  I just mow as close as I can to them to keep the spouts in check, and pull out any honeysuckle or blackberries that grow in there.   Sprouts are free if you can find them and they work great.   
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6466/summerpics039.jpg) (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/summerpics039.jpg/)
My son added for scale. 
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5867/summerpics040.jpg) (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/summerpics040.jpg/)
Ready in about 3 weeks.
Title: Re: Blueberrys
Post by: Shawn on June 09, 2010, 09:34:25 am
Wow thats a great bush.