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Protecting blueberries!

emmiecooper78emmiecooper78 Posts: 23
in Fruit & veg
Hi, I purchased 3 blueberry plants this year and have them in pots on my patio, I wasn’t expecting anything from them this year but it looks like I could get a decent crop from them! My question is do I need to do anything to promote growth or protect them from birds etc??? Thanks all,

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Feed them about once a month during the growing season with an azalea/rhododendron feed (e.g. Miracle Grow azalea/rhododendron feed) using rainwater if possible
    Definitely protect them from the birds as they'll be up before you and they love them :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    Yes net them - the birds eat them when they are pink - i.e. unripe. 
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • emmiecooper78emmiecooper78 Posts: 23
    raisingirl said:
    Yes net them - the birds eat them when they are pink - i.e. unripe. 
    Any tips on the best way to do this?  Never had to do this before so not sure where to start😁
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    When ours were small and in pots I just pushed canes in and put netting over the top.now they are a lot bigger they are in a fruit cage with the other soft fruit,in the ground
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I done exactly the same as Nanny Beach.
    They get to be quite big plants after a few years.
    Some of mine are nearly 5ft now inc pot.
    I used bamboo canes and netting at first.
    Now they live in a fruit cage

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • emmiecooper78emmiecooper78 Posts: 23
    Thanks everyone, off to the garden centre I go!!!  Should I prune them at any time????
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    From all I've read they don't need any significant pruning for the first few years.
    I've had mine 4 years now and I pruned them for the first time in Feb this year.

    I don't cover mine until I see the berries just beginning to turn colour.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Blackbirds favourite food!. I net mine. I only prune to keep an open structure.
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