Veggies for Acidic Soil

[ninnymary]

My blueberries that I planted in wine barrels with potting soil are doing terrible. The leaves were burning to a crisp, and they were also very pale yellow with the veins a little darker. I was told by a berry grower that it was my high ph. I bought a soil test and the ph was 8.0, way to high! I replaced all of the soil with rhododendron soil that I bought. I don't know what the ph was only that it was for acidic plants. Months later, there has been no improvement. Do you think they will improve later? What else can I do? I have fertilized them lightly with berry fertilizer. I might give them till next spring.

In the mean time, in case they don't make it, I'm already thinking of what I can plant in those barrels. The soil was expensive and I prefer to use it for other veggies. What kind of veggies will take acidic soil?

I am also open to planting flowers but prefer something that I can eat.

Mary

 

[so lucky]

I don't have any suggestions, but you have my sympathy. My blueberries are not doing very well either. I didn't water them as often as I should have this summer, and they haven't grown, but possibly shrunk over the summer. I even amended the soil with aluminum sulfate (I think it was) and pine needles. Didn't check the PH, so I will take the criticism.
Oh, I just remembered that hydrangeas and azaleas like acid soil. Can't eat 'em, tho.

 

[seedcorn]

R u sure it is acidic? Rhodedrums will grow in basic soil as well. Just different color blossoms.

 

[Smart Red]

Seedcorn, perhaps you and thinking of Hydrangeas having different colors in different soil ph's. Mine are blue because they are growing in acidic soil, but in neutral to alkaline soil they would be pink. The rhodedendrons and azaleas, a close relative, do need a lower ph much the same as the blueberries they are growing beside. Many hydrangeas do prefer a slightly acidic soil, but are not particularly picky.

ninnymary, it is possible that your blueberries are low in iron. That would explain the yellowing with dark green veins. Chelated iron can be purchased at most garden centers. Check the bag to see if it would help. I seem to remember something about too low a ph interfering with the uptake of needed minerals and iron increases the ability to use minerals in the soil.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you have the kit you might check the pH again so you know what you are dealing with. I add sulphur to my blueberries to get the pH down.

 

[ninnymary]

SmartRed, in the beginning I also thought they were lacking in iron. That's why I fertilized them. Then when I knew the ph was too high, I added sulfate. No change.

I will try to remember to call the place where I purchased the soil to see if they know how acidic it is or the ph.

Mary

 

[seedcorn]

Smart red, u r correct...... I was confused (wrong. )

 

[journey11]

Blueberries are supposed to be well-suited for growing in containers. I know they like a lot of humus to the soil and they require a good mulching so their roots do not become exposed and to help keep even moisture in the soil. The pH needs to be below 5.0. Go to Lowes and get you one of those pH soil probes. They are pretty cheap, like $12 I think is what I paid for mine. All I put on my blueberries, besides new mulch, is sulfur and 10-10-10. Mine are in the ground though.

If all else fails, you could grow some nice potatoes in those containers. They like a more acidic pH, 5.0 to 6.0 or thereabouts, but lower is better to prevent scab.

I'm sure you have a lot invested in those blueberries, so here's hoping you can get them straightened out!

 

[ninnymary]

Well I called the place where I bought the soil and they said the PH was 6.6. I think this is still too high for blueberries. He said the soil should get more acidic with time. I'm not sure I believe this. :/

Mary

 

[journey11]

It sounds like they are dying, so I wouldn't wait... It could take a year or more! Go get some soil acidifier. You can find it at any big box store, (aka. soil sulfur--Hi-Yield or Bonide are a couple of common brands and there are also organic versions.) Peat moss can also help make it more acidic, but the sulfur would be easier to measure and adjust for what you need. The instructions on the back of the bag will tell you how much to add to bring it down in increments until you reach 5.0 or thereabouts.