 |
 One
method to try blueberries in the backyard is to plant individual
blueberries in tubs buried in the soil. For example, halves
of 55-gallon drums with drainage holes cut in the bottom
can be used. First, burn out any residues in the drum. Then
bury in a sunny area, allowing about 1 to 2 inches of the
rim above ground level. The tub can then be filled with
an acidic soil (pH 4.8 to 5.2) that is high in organic matter.
Approximately 10 to 15 percent sphagnum peat moss is good
for this purpose. Plant one blueberry plant per tub.
Blueberry cultivars suggested for northern Illinois include
'Collins,' 'Patriot,' 'Bluejay,' 'Bluecrop,' 'Herbert,'
'Nelson,' and 'Elliot.' |
|
Although
popular to eat, blueberries have very demanding needs. The
greatest of these demands is an acidic soil, as blueberries
need soils with a pH range of 4.8 to 5.2. Many soils in
northern Illinois are quite alkaline (high pH). In addition,
blueberries need well-drained soils, mulching, and irrigation.
It takes considerable effort to grow blueberries in our
area. 
