This plants can thrive and bear fruit in any area that gets a lot of sunlight. Blueberries are perfect addition to any garden where space may be limited. The best option for a patio or other urban garden is to plant a dwarf variety, like “Tophat”, “Jellybean” or “Peach Sorbet”. Blueberry bushes begin producing after about three years, so you’ll have berries in a more timely manner if you buy a plant that is a couple years old as opposed to starting from seed.

As one of the few fruit species native to North America, blueberries have a long history that dates back to pre-colonial times. From preserving to freezing and drying to canning, blueberries are definitely a versatile and useful fruit that you can bless your body with year round. Blueberries are the most nutritious and antioxidant rich fruit in the world and have been shown to do everything from enhance brain health to keep your heart strong.

If you are planting blueberries for the first time, these tips for growing them will help you grow your first crop from planting to harvest.

Tips For Growing Blueberries In Pots

Soil and fertilizer

Dwarf blueberries prefer an acidic soil with pH between 4.0 and 5.5. You can buy test kits from your local nursery to test your soil pH. If your soil pH is too high, you can add peat moss to bring it down or if your soil pH is too low, you can add a little bit of dolomite lime to the soil. You can also buy acidic soil from nurseries if you would prefer. Coffee grounds can be used as an inexpensive blueberry fertilizer that helps to acidify the soil. Occasionally scatter your used coffee grounds on the soil around your blueberry plants to give them a boost. Blueberries don’t like too much fertilizer. Fertilize twice every spring, once at the beginning of the season and once late season.

Watering

Keep well watered, and ensure your pot has good drainage. In warm weather, this usually means watering every day. Check the soil in your containers daily to be sure it stays moist but not wet.

Place

They’ll do best in a spot with as much sunlight as possible (at least six hours of direct sun each day).

Size Of Pots

Grow blueberries in a large pot as they need the space to grow well. Start with a pot that is at least 20 to 24 inches wide or larger.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring. Remove damaged, old, or dead stems and don’t be afraid to clip out up to a quarter or even a third of the bush.

Winter care

In regions with harsh winters, move the blueberry pots to an unheated garage, allowing the plants to go dormant but watering just enough to keep them alive. Return the pot to a sunny location after danger of frost passes.

Harvesting

Once you have learned how to grow blueberries in pots, you will have fruit that will ripen through midsummer, turning from green to dusty blue. These fruits will be best right off the plant. Harvest freely throughout this period. Berries can be eaten fresh or frozen. They’re ideal for freezing and doing so early will lock all the nutrients in.