Watering Blueberries

Jenny_Aster

Having planted a large container with two blueberry bushes after having filled the container first with ericaceous soil, my thoughts have turned now to watering.

We live in a very hard water area, and I've not yet had time to organise the capture of rainwater. I've been reading about adding about 1 tablespoon of vinegar (definitely not horticultural vinegar) possibly cider vinegar into a gallon of water to a ph level of 4 or 5. 

Just wondering what other blueberry grower's do?

BenCotto

This article suggests 4 tablespoons per gallon

https://mattgadient.com/my-attempts-at-adjusting-ph-for-plants-with-vinegar-and-citric-acid/

Pete.8

It's a question that comes up now and then on here.
I've often wondered if vinegar would be suitable for those with no access to rainwater, so I've sent an email to Trehane Nurseries (who I bought mine from).
If anyone knows, they should.
I'll post their reply when I get it. 

Jenny_Aster

Thank you @BenCotto, the link explains very well.

I've ordered both a soil and a water ph tester. I'll feel more confident once I get to grips with what I'm dealing with. These blueberry bushes better thrive, I was hoping to save quite a bit of money growing my own as opposed to the expensive ones in stores. ROI is getting longer 

Jenny_Aster

Thank you @Pete.8 I never thought of asking the supplier 

Biglad

In terms of collecting rainwater, leaving out a couple of buckets and a watering can served me well as a temporary measure @Jenny_Aster. 

At least until I finally got my backside in gear and fitted a water butt to collect from the shed roof I've got 3 blueberry bushes looking very well entering their 2nd year with me.

Fairygirl

I'd have thought a few buckets, as @Biglad describes would help temporarily if you don't have a water butt, but that would be a far better solution long term.

Or you could move up here @Jenny_Aster. Even the tap water is soft, for the odd time they don't get enough rain 

Jenny_Aster

Hoping to get a water butt in place next month @Biglad. I'm also hoping the weather forecast is right for the next week or so with 'door-to-door' sunshine, so I don't think there'll be much rain water about. I planted two bushes yesterday afternoon, and never gave the water situation a though until I filled up the watering can. 

Jenny_Aster

Sounds lovely having soft water, the water here is costing me a fortune in soap, I need tons of it to get a lather. 

Just thinking, I've a jug filter which just might lower the alkaline in the water. Will have a go at testing the water when my tester arrives. 

Biglad

Even when we get that kind of forecast up here, the buckets never remain empty for long @Jenny_Aster  

Pete.8

Trehane have just replied - 

Good morning Pete,

I have read about this and also I have had customers telling me they have done this putting vinegar in the water. I can not see it would do any harm .

 

Kind regards

Lorraine