Should you plant blueberries in pots or ground?

Whether you are deciding on pots or ground planting depends on how much available space and what your goals are. If you have pots, blueberries will grow well on patios and balconies and you can be more precise with pH management or control. Ground plantings fit into larger gardens, especially if your soil is naturally acidic. I have grown both. Containers require more attention and vigilance, than in ground, you get rewarded for your patience.

Urban growers can work around bad native soil with containers. A mixture of half peat moss, 40% pine bark, and 10% perlite add drainage. My potted Duke blueberries survived the winters of the city, I wrapped the containers in burlap, and the roots were protected during -10°F weather.

Ground planting requires preparation work upfront, but less hassle daily managerial effort. Make your holes about 18" wide, and mix your native dirt with 25% compost each time you plant. Avoid using manure, which alkalizes the soil. I lost two bushes before I discovered that my compost was made with lime that had not decomposed adequately. Since then I have been sifting my amendments.

Different practices for watering plants may vary quite a bit. For potted plants, daily watering in the summer is necessary, with about 1 gallon for a 12" pot. Ground bushes prefer a deep soak every 3-5 days, depending on the heat. In both cases, use drip lines. Over-watered ground plants will show yellow leaves; potted plants that are too dry will drop green berries too early.

pH maintenance is where pots win. Ground growers are combating the aggressive tree roots of the surrounding trees and mineral leaching. I add elemental sulfur to my garden beds in the fall and it takes time to break down, but it stabilizes the acidity for spring blooming. Container mixes stabilize pH much more, but it is best to check the pH every quarter.

Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries: 7 Essential Steps for Success