Blueberry bushes trying to off themselves - Ask Extension
Hi! Trying to figure out whats going on with my blueberry bushes. They were purchased this year. One seems to be rotting on ends, one seems to have re...
Knowledgebase
Blueberry bushes trying to off themselves #878393
Asked July 23, 2024, 10:58 AM EDT
Hi! Trying to figure out whats going on with my blueberry bushes. They were purchased this year. One seems to be rotting on ends, one seems to have red dots, the red veins of a mg deficiency, but ive treated them with epson salts and not seen much progress. Thoughts?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
There is a wonderful factsheet available about growing blueberries in OH: https://ohioline.osu.edu>factsheet>HYG-1422.
It indicates that blueberries need an acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5-5.0. You can determine the components of your soil by having the soil tested (There is a fee for this service). That sheet is located at https://ohioline.osu.edu>factsheet>HYG-1132. You can find the closest testing facility through the Franklin County Extension office, 2548 Carmack Rd., Columbus,<personal data hidden>. Three percent of your soil should be organic matter. Also, blueberries don't like wet feet, so please watch the amount of water you apply. For the first two years you should remove the blossoms to stimulate growth. Mulching the plants is also important. It may be that one or a combination of these factors is causing the redness on your plants. I hope this helps.
It indicates that blueberries need an acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5-5.0. You can determine the components of your soil by having the soil tested (There is a fee for this service). That sheet is located at https://ohioline.osu.edu>factsheet>HYG-1132. You can find the closest testing facility through the Franklin County Extension office, 2548 Carmack Rd., Columbus,<personal data hidden>. Three percent of your soil should be organic matter. Also, blueberries don't like wet feet, so please watch the amount of water you apply. For the first two years you should remove the blossoms to stimulate growth. Mulching the plants is also important. It may be that one or a combination of these factors is causing the redness on your plants. I hope this helps.
