Marianne's Response

Growing blueberries

We live at Lake Tapps at 540 feet above sea level. I removed a dead pear tree on the south side of our house and now have a planting area full of new sand and mulch soil to play in along that side of the house. I like the idea of my plants looking good (NW Japanese style) AND producing edibles. I want to plant blueberries in this area. Do you have a recommendation for a blueberry variety that is relatively low maintenance and would like the sun and altitude we have in this spot? It borders my lawn area with regular watering and I can extend my sprinkler system to drip in them if needed.

Thank you Marianne!

Grandpa Ripper

Posted by Gary Cassill on September 17, 2014

Marianne's Response

Blueberries need a lot of water and thrive in soil that is rich in peat moss or compost. The new variety \"Bountiful Blue\" is attractive and productive, so I would start there and add more blueberry plants to extend the season if the first one does well. Feed with a rhododendron and azalea food in the spring and remember in a hot spot like the south side of the house your blueberries need a mulch of wood chips or bark chips and extra water. A drip system is better than a sprinkler system for these and most plants. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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