I live in Milaca, MN and ... - Ask Extension
I live in Milaca, MN and my soil drains very poorly and is heavy with clay. I want to plan some blueberries next spring and from what I have read it s...
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I live in Milaca, MN and ... #196182
Asked July 02, 2014, 9:12 AM EDT
I live in Milaca, MN and my soil drains very poorly and is heavy with clay. I want to plan some blueberries next spring and from what I have read it seems I should plant in a raised planter. I am curious, is 15 inches of soil deep enough for the root systems of the plants? Are there specific materials to build the raised planter out of? Certain ones to avoid? Since I have never made a raised planter before I am wondering if this is just a frame to hold the soil and plants in, or if it needs to have a bottom added to it. If a bottom is added do you need to drill drainage holes to let excess water out? Do certain blueberry varieties do better in our climate than others? Your site also talks about adding bushels of well rotted sawdust or peat to the soil to help acidify it? Do you just rot this material in a composter by itself or mixed with other compostable materials? How much is a bushel? Sorry for all the questions.
Mille Lacs County Minnesota
Expert Response
Information in the following bulletin will answer most of your questions about growing blueberries in raised beds. Blueberry varieties recommended for growing in Minnesota are also listed there.
Blueberries For Home Landscapes
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/blueberries-for-home-landscapes/#soil-preparation
The raised bed does not need to have a bottom. Go to the following website for information about materials that can be used to build the beds (scroll to the section on construction materials):
Raised Bed Gardening
http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g6985
The easiest way to calculate an amount equal to a bushel is to obtain a bushel basket and fill it.
Peat needed to prepare the soil mix for the bed is sold at most nurseries and garden centers. It's usually packaged in two- or three-cubic foot bales. The peat is ready to be used and does not need to be composted.
Blueberries For Home Landscapes
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/blueberries-for-home-landscapes/#soil-preparation
The raised bed does not need to have a bottom. Go to the following website for information about materials that can be used to build the beds (scroll to the section on construction materials):
Raised Bed Gardening
http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g6985
The easiest way to calculate an amount equal to a bushel is to obtain a bushel basket and fill it.
Peat needed to prepare the soil mix for the bed is sold at most nurseries and garden centers. It's usually packaged in two- or three-cubic foot bales. The peat is ready to be used and does not need to be composted.
How does one obtain cultivars that the U of M has that will grow well in Minnesota? Are these sold at nurseries or purchased from the U? Also, the information on your website states that the peat or sawdust that is added to the soil to help acidify it needs to be well rotted? You seem to be saying that the peat is ready as is from the nursery?
Can wooden barrels sold at many nurseries be used to grow blueberries, or will the plant expand too much over time? Are two or three plants sufficient if I am only intending to grow enough berries for my family to consume?
Thank you for your questions. Here's a follow up to the original answer.
Blueberry plants grow best in containers that hold a minimum of about 2 cu ft of growing media. These containers (pots, barrels, etc.) can be made of various materials. However, because the containers are above ground, you will want to put them in a garage (unheated) for the winter, so choose a container you can move.
The University does not sell plants, but U of M cultivars can usually be purchased from Minnesota garden centers and nurseries. Bring a list of U of M cultivars and ask for those specifically. Please note that two different cultivars planted near each other are required for cross-pollination and berry production. Plant one plant per container and place the containers relatively close together so cross-pollination is easily accomplished by insects.
To clarify about the peat, just fill your container with the peat as-is.
The Extension publications noted in the original answer by Bob will provide more information If you have questions after you read them, feel free to post them to Ask an Expert.
Best of luck and thanks for contacting Ask an Expert!
Blueberry plants grow best in containers that hold a minimum of about 2 cu ft of growing media. These containers (pots, barrels, etc.) can be made of various materials. However, because the containers are above ground, you will want to put them in a garage (unheated) for the winter, so choose a container you can move.
The University does not sell plants, but U of M cultivars can usually be purchased from Minnesota garden centers and nurseries. Bring a list of U of M cultivars and ask for those specifically. Please note that two different cultivars planted near each other are required for cross-pollination and berry production. Plant one plant per container and place the containers relatively close together so cross-pollination is easily accomplished by insects.
To clarify about the peat, just fill your container with the peat as-is.
The Extension publications noted in the original answer by Bob will provide more information If you have questions after you read them, feel free to post them to Ask an Expert.
Best of luck and thanks for contacting Ask an Expert!
