A potted blueberry bush

Because blueberries have such particular soil chemistry requirements, some people choose to grow their blueberries in containers instead of in a standard garden. Of course, if you love blueberries but you don’t have enough or the right sort of land to grow them in a garden, a pot or container is the perfect solution!

For raised-bed plantings, the previous guidelines apply. For container gardening, the guidelines are much the same, but on a slightly smaller scale.

No matter where you plan to plant your blueberries, in order for them to thrive, they need soil with a low pH and active decomposition.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Get your soil together.

• Equal parts 1/4-inch pathway bark, peat moss, and azalea mix or acid plant mix.
• A handful of soil sulfur for each plant.
• Mix this well and have it ready to pot your plants.
• Test your soil mix to make sure it has the right pH. Adjust as needed.

Step 2: Pick a pot. You need a container that’s the right size for your plant.

• Plants that come in a 4-inch to one-gallon container should go into 2- to 5-gallon containers.
• Established plants in 2- to 5-gallon pots should go into 16- to 20-inch containers.
• Put the blueberry plant in the center of the pot and fill in around the root with your soil mix.
• If you have a really big, heavy container, consider putting it on a plant stand on wheels; your back will thank you.

Step 3: Water & Fertilize.

• Don’t let your container dry out.
• Fertilize once a month with an acid-based fertilizer during the growing season. (This is the fertilizing exception to the rule, since the soil is limited.)
• WARNING: Never use fertilizer with nitrogen in nitrate form. It can kill your roots.
• Keep your pot in full sun as much as possible.

Have you ever tried growing blueberries in containers? Did it work out for you? Please tell us your secrets for getting a good blueberry crop when growing in pots or containers.