How to Grow Blueberry Bushes in a Greenhouse
Blueberries are popular fruits because of their tangy taste. They make a great addition to any home landscape, but can also grow in greenhouses if the outdoor conditions are not suitable. The two most important factors in growing blueberries are adequate sunlight and acidic soil. Blueberries are long-lasting plants, so taking the time to prepare the soil and properly plant them in your greenhouse is important to ensure good crops for years to come.
Modify the soil to make it acidic, which is preferred by blueberry bushes. Mix 40 percent peat, 40 percent coir (shredded coconut husks) and 20 percent perlite together to make the soil pH around 4.8.
Plant blueberry bushes in two pots apiece if the greenhouse does not have a regulated temperature. Fill a 2-gallon plant pot one-third of the way up with soil. This will be the base pot, which protects the blueberry bushes from frost. If the greenhouse is temperature-controlled, skip this step.
- Blueberries are popular fruits because of their tangy taste.
- This will be the base pot, which protects the blueberry bushes from frost.
Fill a 2-gallon container halfway with the acidic soil mix and center the blueberry bush in it. Fill in the remaining space with the mixture. Press down to remove air pockets.
Place the container with the blueberry bush inside the partially filled pot. This will create a layer of insulation. If your greenhouse is temperature-controlled, skip this step.
Water the bush to keep the soil moist. Blueberries do not thrive in dry conditions.
- Fill a 2-gallon container halfway with the acidic soil mix and center the blueberry bush in it.
- Water the bush to keep the soil moist.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the bushes. Choose a product with a 14-14-14 ratio and apply 1 tbsp. per 2-gallon container.
Prune blueberry bushes each year to encourage the best fruit crop. Take off flowers each spring to promote vegetative growth. You should also remove damaged or dead branches as soon as you notice them and cut off stems that are more than seven years old, to make way for newer, more productive growth.
Check the soil acidity each year to ensure that it is still suitable for blueberry bushes. If not, apply a high-acid fertilizer with a 21-7-7 ratio.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the bushes.
- Prune blueberry bushes each year to encourage the best fruit crop.
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Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
