Thanks for watching folks & don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video. Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🌱 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob
HELLO ROB, GREAT VIDEO ! Where in Australia are you ? I want to grow blue berries in Senegal , but the chill here only goes down to 18c . Is that cold enough for southern high bush varieties ?
Hi Rob...I use the hardwood ash left in my wood burner heater lightly sprinkled around plants and fruit trees because it is very rich in Potassium. Once a month in winter seems to keep most fruit trees happy. Ash can also be used to make lye (potassium hydroxide) which is used to make soap by mixing it with water.
Hey Sean. Hydroxides will raise the pH as well if over used but it would take a lot as I understand it. I use them in the aquaponics to help keep the pH up at a certain level due to the nitrification process always dropping the water pH. Cheers & have a top one.
great video you helped me loads i just brought a 6 year old plant and not sure how im going to plant it now i know im going to stick it in a container like you cheers
I bet I've watched over 100 videos on fruit trees, berry bushes, and vineyards over the years. I thought this was one of the best presentations I've seen. EXCELLENT JOB! This is also my 3rd review to ever post on RUclips.
Hi Rob !! Another fantastic video today tell us all about how you grow your blueberries !! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences and as always happy growing
Hey Rob, fantastic information, particularly around the false belief that pine needles help acidify the soil. I didn't know that ! I'm growing 3 varieties of blueberries here in Sydney and the info you have provided in this vid is really helpful.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics i know a LOT about each but i have a very small space to grow and hasn't had the time to plan out and everything..
Subirrigation question I use laundry baskets for planters and put them in new oil change drain pans. Initially I water from the top until the plants (any) get established a bit then just keep a constant water level in the pan. Is that too much water?
That's a great idea Nic. How fast does the material break down & is it a matter of just waiting until the acid loving organisms move in & dominate the pile? Cheers. 👍
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics It takes about 6 months when the heat gets up, but it really chugs along when those acidophile bacteria get a hold on. I grow a lot of citrus, so I get as much acid mulch as neutral mulch.
I was told they do as well but haven't noticed much of a drop. I think the straight sulphur additive does a better job for folks needing to drop the pH a fair way. Cheers Christopher. 👍
I have seen some folks claim it does wonders but I don't think it does. If it did work as well as they say commercial farmers would be using it all the time. Cheers.
Wow! Rob Bob, you sure know how to grow blueberries successfully, that blueberry bush is LOADED with berries,....so there is a possibility and no wonder, blueberry growing is getting popular here in Mexico, mostly in the northern states, along the U.S. border, but here in the center of the country, with an altitude of 6,500 ft. more or less, our winters are cool, so maybe the southern variety would do well here. Uprated thanks for sharing and happy blueberry pickin'! :)
Hi Joe. Am just hoping that they fill out nicely & the bugs don't find them. 😉 The Northern highbush like the cooler weather so they might be the go for you. 👍 Cheers mate & all the best to the family.
Hi Rob, I’m just curious about overwintering my 8 varieties of blackberries in the containers. My question is should I water the containers every week? I noticed before that the soil in the containers are getting dried out in the winter time.
I've been told that you should leave the soil slightly moist & not wet. One chap suggested that it's best to water lightly if the top 30-40mm of soil is dry. I hope that helps some.
Hi Rob, thanks for making this video. I'm trying to save my blueberry plant as it seems to have fuzzy fungus on the flowers and unfortunately I've had to cut alot of them to prevent it from spreading. It's been cold and raining often so I don't think it's been helping even when I put it in my little greenhouse. How do I know how much sulphur to add? Thanks for your help.
I followed the instructions on the bottle Karman. A good test kit will also help to give you a base line to help you work out how much is needed. Sorry it took a while to get to your comment. .
@@RobsAquaponics wow this is such a wonderful surprise. Thank you for replying Rob. I did get some Sulpur but there wasn't any instructions on my packet since I just bought a small sample packet. My blueberry plant did come back but I've not had any blueberries this season. Oh well... at least it's still alive. ☺️
Hi Rob! Thanks for all the amazing videos. You inspired me to get a mini aquaponics setup going here in my backyard in South Africa. I was told that we dont have the correct bees to pollinate blueberries. Any suggestions? I have been told by some that its not the type rather the variety of bee and that the guys growing commercially use fans to pollinate artificially.
G'Day Gavin & nice one mate. 👍👍 I just did a quick search & it looks like loads of folks are growing them in SA but I'm not sure about the pollinators. One post I saw mentioned folks bringing in European honey bees for commercial farms so if you have them buzzing around you should be OK. Would like to know how you get on. Cheers.
Folks claim they work but I found that most of the acid is removed in the brewing process Peter. They still make a great soil conditioner, just not as good as the sulphur at lowering the pH. Cheers mate.
Hi there. Have a playlist that shows how we make up our wicking barrels & beds if that helps. Here's the clip for the barrel if it helps. ► ruclips.net/video/wGF72sOwgJI/видео.html Let me know if you have any questions. Cheers.
Most of the acidity is stripped out of the grounds when the coffee is made so they will have little if any effect on the soil pH. I know some recommend them but you'd be better off using fresh unused grounds & then I think it would still be way cheaper & more efficient to use the sulphur. Hope that helps some. 👍
What kind of organic palette u used, how often and also when u use a sulfur I just plant blueberry lastweek, I mix peat moss with blood fert and black cow and pine bark and potting soil, can I still give sulfur or do I have to wait, I plant in 20 gollon pot and I put 3 inch pine bark on the pot, Thn u for the advise
Hi Tiara. We use a product here called Rooster Booster. Basically it's pelletised chook manure that breaks down slowly in the soil releasing nutrients as it does. I only use the sulphur if the pH of the soil rise too high. It's best to check it first before adding any. Hope that helps some.
I like to feed them couple of months with a liquid seaweed based fertiliser & at the moment I've been top dressing with compost or slow release organic pellets before & after they flower, which is spring for us here in Ipswich. Cheers Tony.
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing! I have some Oneal and Jubilee blueberry. What southern highbush blueberry do you recommend that will grow around 3-4 feet tall? Please let me know. Thank you so much!
I'm not sure sorry as I haven't researched many varieties. Most southern highbush only get to about 5ft so you could prune them back if height is an issue. Cheers.
Hello Rob, glad I found you while looking into how to grow Blueberries. We just bought a Sunshine Blue variety and we're situated in Gawler Nth of Adelaide SA. We'd like to grow it in a clay pot measuring 50 cm's wide by 36 cm's deep (If you agree it's suitable) What would be a good soil recipe to make up for a pot this size so the grandkids can enjoy a bounty of Blueberries, they love them. Thanking you Grazz.
Sorry I missed this Grazz. That sounds like an OK size pot. I would keep an eye on the roots & repot it every few years if they become root-bound in there. Am very sorry for taking so long to respond. Did you end up using that pot? Cheers.
Always watch your work Rob...but there seem to be a slight problem with the ph of those whiskers..or could it be the nutrition ? Also I use a product ' ph Down ' which a tiny amount brings the ph down much quicker than the sulphur that then takes over the long term ph for my blueberries.
😆 I haven't thought of using pH down myself but have a bit on hand for aquaponics emergencies. Might try that next time round to see how it goes. Thanks john.
Hi Sarah. I've basically been taking off any of the sick or dying growth points up to now & only removed a few of the older main stems/canes. I think if I took out a few more of the older main stems the plant might be a tad more productive. Will be posting a clip on that at the end of the season. 👍 Hope that helps some & have a great one.
Will using one tablespoon of vinegar per gallon also be good to lower the soil pH? I hear this is good since vinegar is pH 2 and mixing with a gallon of water will lower that pH. Is this ok?
I've seen folks suggest this but am not convinced it will work too well. I think you're better off adding some natural garden sulphur as it will take longer to breakdown leaving the pH at a more stable level for longer.
Hi Shawn. This lady here will be transplanted into a 25gal/95L one at the end of the season. I probably wouldn't go any smaller than that. I recently posted a clip where I planted some dwarf bushes (3ft/1m tall variety) into some 15gal/56L pouches & I think they'll do well in there. ruclips.net/video/pjizIoMC2CM/видео.html Hope that helps you out some. Cheers.
Thanks for the tips. We have a few blueberry plants that are so long and stringy. I'm tempted to give them a prune, but fear that I'll take all the fruiting wood off. Any tips or links for winter or fall pruning without setting a harvest back a year? Thanks, Rob!
Hi Ian. So far I've only been giving our girl a rough haircut after she finishes fruiting. I just remove the tip growth (back to the main stem) that looks like it's dying back or damaged in any way. It is a good idea to take out the older stems & that will encourage more growth but haven't done that regularly here with ours. Might do so at the end of the season with this one as I'm thinking of re potting her into a pouch before next season. Hope your growing family are all well & happy mate.
Thanks for the information, Rob. Would these technics work on raspberries? Love me raspberries. Luck on the new site. Is Lizie going to be the official spokesdog?
Hi Harry. Sh'es not a very "talkative" dog. Will let loose at the postman if they come to the door or strangers come around. The site still needs a lot of work. Is very slow to load so when I get some free time I'll be looking into how to speed that up. Raspberries don't require as low a pH as blueberries & you prune them differently too. With the raspberries the canes come off once they fruit to encourage the next flush to come through. Have you got some growing at the moment? Cheers mate.
Hello there, I was curious what USDA Zone you're growing in and specifically the ranges for the "Blueberry Burst" I am in Eureka CA and we are 9B which is working well for Southern Highbush Varieties
Hi there FS. We would be in about a zone 10 equivalent here in SE Queensland. The Burst are a compact version of the Southern Highbush as I understand it if that helps any. Cheers & happy growing.
Hi David. Southern highbush or Rabbits eyes varieties do best in our area I've been told David. I've always had good results from plants I get from Daleys & they have some in stock now as well. www.daleysfruit.com.au/fruit%20pages/blueberry.htm Hope that helps some mate.
Hi. I live in the northern states and I just moved to a house with two sets of northland blue berry plants . It did not flower or fruit. What should I do for next spring. We are leaving summer and fall is coming in. ????
It's probably best to feed them at the end of Winter/start of Spring when the ground starts to warm up Joan. That way they'll have the nutrients when they need it. A good quality compost or slow release organic fertiliser should do the trick. Cheers. 👍
Hi Rob I have tried growing blueberries but first plant died and second just potted. How can we grow plenty of crops and organic fertilisers you would recommended.
I like to use compost where I can. If I don't have any I'll use a slow release organic pellet fertiliser made from chicken waste. I've also found fish emulsion to be a great liquid feed if you can find some.
We get our seaweed/kelp from the local nurseries or "big box" hardware store Suzy. 👍 They do need a fair amount of sun to grow well. I will be moving ours from out behind the banana trees soon as the winter sun is a bit low in the sky at the moment & they'r in partial shade for most of the day. Cheers & happy growing.
We went for the Southern Highbush as it needs less frost hours Catlady 43. You'll probably find a few different types of that variety at most nurseries up here. Cheers.
Hi Henry. My understanding is that if the soil is at the correct pH & dosed regularly with amendments like the sulphur there should be no need to acidify the water you use. Might be something to look into further though if you do have very water pH. Once we have a few rain water tanks collecting water here I'll be using the water in them for watering pH sensitive plants like the berries. Cheers
I have seen a few claim that but testing shows it's a furphy. 😉 Is easy enough to grab a kit from a garden centre & test it for yourself if you need more proof. Cheers & happy growing.
Hi Rob, Thanks heaps for your youtube clips, very informative and Australian! I've just purchased two blueberries and want to set them up in much the same way as you have int he clip. I'm wondering where you purchase the flowers of sulphur?
Hi Jodi & sorry I missed this question. I use the Manutec brand which should be available in most large hardware & nurseries. Hope that helps & that your plants are doing well. Cheers.
Not that I' aware of. It would generally be covered in courses that include propagation I'd think. Might be best to inquire with a plant breeder & see what they would recommend. Hope you find the information you need mate.
It's normally with all the fertilisers Vivienne. 👍 You can get a similar product called "Wettable sulphur" but that's for used for controlling mildew, rust & some mites. Not so great for lowering pH. The folks there should be able to help it you ask.
Takes all sorts Josime & doesn't bother me at all. I normally get a single dislike in the first hour so I take it I have a serial thumbs down "fan" out there. 😄 Cheers & all the best.
I'm about to plant these two blueberry seedlings in containers of their own but tested the PH in the soil and it's reading almost 7.5. Is it safe to still plant these?
It would pay for you to reduce the pH first mate to get them off to a flying start. I've also seen them do fine in pH7 soils but think I'd prefer to fix the soil before planting.
Hey Adamsky. I've been getting it from the big "B" store. It's the Manutec brand & is in with the rest of the fertilisers inside the store itself. In ours it's the same isle as the seeds from memory. Hope that helps some mate. Cheers.
Hi Chris. I have a southern Highbush in the barrel & the blueberry burst in the pouches. 👍 Will be including a look at the Highbush in an upcoming clip as she's not looking the best. 😕 Cheers.
Vinegar can lower the pH as it's acidic but it can also kill off bacteria if added directly to the soil as i understand it. I think it would be better & maybe cheaper just to treat the soil with an amendment like sulphur. 👍 Cheers HDC 🙂
Rob, a question for you. Given that you amend beds, pots etc and oft try and meet plant requirements [and or fish]. All of the clips I have seen of yours often express a healthy population of earth worms. Now, the question is, do you find the same earthworm populations in beds that run at a pH of, say 5.0 and 8.0? Is there a happy worm medium, I appreciate this is not a scientific study just observational. Any thoughts please?.... Cheers Floot
Hi Floot. Compost worms do best in pH range between 6 & 7 as I understand it so do well in both the soil & aquaponic beds here. Will have a dig around the soil in the barrel down the back & see hat I can find worm wise when I pop down there later & shall report back. 👍 Cheers.
I've been using it a bit lately Jackie as I haven't been making a lot of compost. The greens love it & respond very well after a good feed. You looking to try some yourself? Cheers.
Hi Rob, I'm a Brit based in Beijing, China. I'm running a few Chinese Aquaponics Groups here via an App called: WeChat. I also do a few workshops building various components for aquaponics systems etc... One of my members has just posted one of your videos via a Chinese link that has basically copied one of your RUclips videos and republished it through their own channel and made no reference to you. On their comments page, I have added your info and your youtube link so you get the credit for your own video.
Hi Paul. Thanks for putting in a good word for me. 🙂👍 I've just had someone from China ask if they can download & use my clips. I'm not very happy about it as I put in hours helping folks for free that have questions about their own systems after seeing my clips & all I get is a few dollars per video for my efforts from RUclips. Is there any reasons they just can't link to my channel in the app? They can also create a playlist of my clips on their own RUclips channel & refer folks there if they like. BTW, do you know of any cheap translation services? Probably a silly question but I'd be interested in seeing how much it would cost to get it translated into Mandarin. Cheers Paul & have a top one.
Hi Rob, Unfortunately, RUclips is banned in China, along with many other websites, unless they got a VPN that gets around the firewalls that prevents Chinese citizens accessing banned websites. However, China has a website similar to RUclips called Youku.com, the biggest issue that its all in Chinese and if you have a buddy back home to help you upload your videos on this website then this will certainly increase your global exposure. I will talk to the Chinese guy who is making these posts and see if we can advertise links to give viewers the choice to view the Chinese restricted links to your channel.
If you are able to download the WeChat App (Similar to Line & WhatsApp), I can add you into the Chinese Aquaponics groups, whereby you can type in English and they can use the In-App translator to understand what is being said. Chinese also gets translated into English etc... Once networked within a week, I can then help you setup your own WeChat group, whereby you can post direct links to your RUclips channel. Here is my WeChat ID: -NIUCO-
Thanks for that. I'm think I'll open an account there myself so they can share directly. 👍 If you would like to let the chap know I'd be interested in maybe getting some help & will see if we can come to some agreement that will benefit him as well I'd appreciate it. Thanks for all this Paul. 👍
I just reserved a WeChat group for you called: Rob's Backyard Aquaponics. Once you have setup a WeChat account and added me as a friend then I can transfer the Group to you and then invite the masses (3000+) of Chinese Aquaponic Group members (Unfortunately each Wechat group can only accommodate 500 members).
You do know that pine bark is acidic? Well our pine bark in North America is anyway. I give my blueberries coffee and tea grounds and they love it. I had loads of berries in 2019, plus they grow wild in many areas in my area. The wild ones taste so much better than the hybrids.
I'm not convinced that the pine bark I used lowered the pH as I find it is still up around 7 even when used in this lower pH soil blend. I have seen numerous articles done by researchers that say the needles do nothing to lower pH & would suspect that the bark would have a similar affect. I do know that pine forest floors have a fairly stable pH as well which goes against what folks say about the trees ability to lower pH. Cheers.
We live in the subtropics so have found that some years the plants will grow year round, others they may go dormant for a month or so. I've also read in many places that spring is the best time to feed them so they have all they need coming into the growing season if they go dormant over winter.
I don't know how much water you need to water, but if you're using tap water, fill up a few buckets and let them sit out for a few and most of the "additives" should evaporate out. Otherwise catch rainwater...its natural, not "organic" Your bushes will be very happy!
We have a filter on the line coming into the property that removes a lot of the chlorine but I still let it sit & offgas for the aquaponics. A scientist up in Canada did an interesting clip looking at using town water on soil gardens if that interests you. ruclips.net/video/tgvlE8YM1xI/видео.html & the follow up ruclips.net/video/dMWpFDEf5j8/видео.html I won't use rain water collected from our roof without filtering it first. We live on a main road so are more likely to have diesel exhaust & other fine particles in amounts that could be dangerous to our aquaponic fish. It will be an interesting experiment to do once we have them all set up I think. Cheers Joey & happy growing mate.
I really don't think it would be an issue with the small amount used. Feel free not to add it to yours if you have concerns. Cheers & happy growing David.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm omg I went to the garden asking for chicken feces for my blueberries, prolly look like such a dummy. Anyways thanks. I actually went to pick up two BB younglings today. One was called blue crop and the other was ____(forgot, will check). It was taller than the blue crop plant. From some photos online, an i right in presuming they are both high bush? They were the only two strains left. I had organic soil already and i asked the 2 dummy faux garden experts what I would need to prep a low ph soil for blueberries. They recommended me peat moss n told me to moisten n mix the block into the soil.... but when I got home I realised they gave me a block of coco coir, that had a brand name called BeatsPeat. Soooo yeah.. I shouldn't be using coco coir at all right ? I should go return it tomorrow for the actual real peat moss for my blueberries right? Thx.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching folks & don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video.
Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🌱
Cheers all & have a top one. 😊
Rob
👌🏻
HELLO ROB,
GREAT VIDEO ! Where in Australia are you ? I want to grow blue berries in Senegal , but the chill here only goes down to 18c . Is that cold enough for southern high bush varieties ?
Hi Rob...I use the hardwood ash left in my wood burner heater lightly sprinkled around plants and fruit trees because it is very rich in Potassium. Once a month in winter seems to keep most fruit trees happy. Ash can also be used to make lye (potassium hydroxide) which is used to make soap by mixing it with water.
Hey Sean. Hydroxides will raise the pH as well if over used but it would take a lot as I understand it. I use them in the aquaponics to help keep the pH up at a certain level due to the nitrification process always dropping the water pH.
Cheers & have a top one.
As a rule , we usually dig all amendments into the soil for best results. Brilliant educational video, many thanks Bob!
I like to take it a bit gentle with these plants as they have a load of roots just below the surface.
Cheers Bill & happy growing mate. 🌱🌱
great video you helped me loads i just brought a 6 year old plant and not sure how im going to plant it now i know im going to stick it in a container like you cheers
Best of luck Hamster. 🌱🌱
Thanks. This is the most details video that i've ever found. I got my 1st bluberry plant. Thanks again
Glad it was helpful!
Best video yet on blue berry care I've seen
Am glad you enjoyed it mate.
Cheers.
I bet I've watched over 100 videos on fruit trees, berry bushes, and vineyards over the years. I thought this was one of the best presentations I've seen. EXCELLENT JOB! This is also my 3rd review to ever post on RUclips.
Thanks Matthew.
Hope your's grow well for you mate.
Cheers.
“Overwintering” is one word. Has never been 2 words.
Unless I made it so. 😉🤣
Cheers.
Hi Rob !! Another fantastic video today tell us all about how you grow your blueberries !! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences and as always happy growing
Hi 50 SOG & thanks. 🙂
Cheers & all the best to you all.
Rob.
Hey Rob, fantastic information, particularly around the false belief that pine needles help acidify the soil. I didn't know that !
I'm growing 3 varieties of blueberries here in Sydney and the info you have provided in this vid is really helpful.
Gald it helped some Chris. Sorry I missed your comment all those years ago too.
Cheers.
Your so correct about the pine needles😀👍🏼
😁👍
How about using sodium bisulfate...or possibly another alternative, from a pool supply store?
The extra sodium would build up over time causing issues I think.
Thank you very much .
No problem Leanne. 😁👍
This was exactly that I was just looking for, Thanks rob bob!
Glad I could help you out some.
Cheers & have a top one folks.
Found you channel like a week ago, so happy i did! Keep up the great work! Your videos are very helpful.
Rob is the man!
Hi Cameron & thanks mate. 👍Are you into just soil growing or aquaponics too?
Cheers mate
Thanks again Josime. 🙂
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics i know a LOT about each but i have a very small space to grow and hasn't had the time to plan out and everything..
Did not know that about the Pineneedles. Saves me from buying some to mulch my blueberries.
Glad I could help some mate. 👍
Coffee grounds contain caffeine which slows plant growth so they're no good either.
Those blueberries are looking great! :) Thanks for sharing :)
Timely. I've got 4 bushes I need to work on. Great vid Rob.
Hey Brent. Have you grown them in hydro before?
I have not Rob, but I am considering doing several more things in hydro next year I haven't tried before including small fruits. All the best brother.
Country Girl Grit watching from Myrtle Beach S.C. Great video
Thanks for watching!
❤Thanks for another great video from Ireland. ❤
Thanks for watching!
Great looking blueberry plant, Rob! I use elemental sulfur to keep the pH down too. Thanks so much for the shout out! Cheers!
Only too happy to share top notch information Patrick.
Cheers & have a top one mate.
Subirrigation question
I use laundry baskets for planters and put them in new oil change drain pans.
Initially I water from the top until the plants (any) get established a bit then just keep a constant water level in the pan.
Is that too much water?
Great video! Thanks for info. I was thinking about growing blueberries in containers. This is very helpful.
Hope the plants grow well for you DJ. 👍
Cheers.
Hey! I have an acid compost bin for all of my citrus peels, native tree leaves, etc. It is the best soil acidification amendment I have ever used.
That's a great idea Nic. How fast does the material break down & is it a matter of just waiting until the acid loving organisms move in & dominate the pile?
Cheers. 👍
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics It takes about 6 months when the heat gets up, but it really chugs along when those acidophile bacteria get a hold on. I grow a lot of citrus, so I get as much acid mulch as neutral mulch.
I do you pick blueberries in Florida and always notice the the soil has pine bark mixed in. It was my understanding that was to make the soil acidic.
I was told they do as well but haven't noticed much of a drop. I think the straight sulphur additive does a better job for folks needing to drop the pH a fair way.
Cheers Christopher. 👍
Does adding apple cider viniger to soil lower the ph and good for bluberries?
I have seen some folks claim it does wonders but I don't think it does. If it did work as well as they say commercial farmers would be using it all the time.
Cheers.
Wow! Rob Bob, you sure know how to grow blueberries successfully, that blueberry bush is LOADED with berries,....so there is a possibility and no wonder, blueberry growing is getting popular here in Mexico, mostly in the northern states, along the U.S. border, but here in the center of the country, with an altitude of 6,500 ft. more or less, our winters are cool, so maybe the southern variety would do well here. Uprated thanks for sharing and happy blueberry pickin'! :)
Joe Serrano cuál estado vives?
Hi Joe. Am just hoping that they fill out nicely & the bugs don't find them. 😉
The Northern highbush like the cooler weather so they might be the go for you. 👍
Cheers mate & all the best to the family.
Thank you. Ontario Canada
You are very welcome Casey.
Cheers and happy growing. 🌱
Hi Rob, I’m just curious about overwintering my 8 varieties of blackberries in the containers. My question is should I water the containers every week? I noticed before that the soil in the containers are getting dried out in the winter time.
I've been told that you should leave the soil slightly moist & not wet.
One chap suggested that it's best to water lightly if the top 30-40mm of soil is dry.
I hope that helps some.
Great video! thanks for the help!
Cheers William. 👍😁
Thanks for Sharing!!! ❤️Love, 🌞Light, ☮️Peace🌳 & 🌈Gratitude🦋.
You are very welcome😁😁👍
Thanks for a great clip...
Cheers Alex. 👍
like more about punning Blueberries , Thank you great vid
Will mention that in clips down the line. You should be able to find a few on YT until then though. 😉👍
Cheers & happy growing.
Hi Rob, thanks for making this video. I'm trying to save my blueberry plant as it seems to have fuzzy fungus on the flowers and unfortunately I've had to cut alot of them to prevent it from spreading. It's been cold and raining often so I don't think it's been helping even when I put it in my little greenhouse. How do I know how much sulphur to add? Thanks for your help.
I followed the instructions on the bottle Karman. A good test kit will also help to give you a base line to help you work out how much is needed. Sorry it took a while to get to your comment. .
@@RobsAquaponics wow this is such a wonderful surprise. Thank you for replying Rob. I did get some Sulpur but there wasn't any instructions on my packet since I just bought a small sample packet. My blueberry plant did come back but I've not had any blueberries this season. Oh well... at least it's still alive. ☺️
Good video, thanks for the valued information.
Glad I could help some.
Cheers.
Thank you for the video ..very informative liked and subscribed!!
Thanks Fsociety.
Cheers & happy growing.
Nice
Cheers.👍👍
I have read Vinegar can be used to lower PH and raise acidity , any thoughts
I think the Sulphur is better as vinegar can be anti bacterial which could damage the bacteria in the that are helping to feed the plant.
Thanks
Hi Rob! Thanks for all the amazing videos. You inspired me to get a mini aquaponics setup going here in my backyard in South Africa. I was told that we dont have the correct bees to pollinate blueberries. Any suggestions? I have been told by some that its not the type rather the variety of bee and that the guys growing commercially use fans to pollinate artificially.
G'Day Gavin & nice one mate. 👍👍
I just did a quick search & it looks like loads of folks are growing them in SA but I'm not sure about the pollinators. One post I saw mentioned folks bringing in European honey bees for commercial farms so if you have them buzzing around you should be OK.
Would like to know how you get on.
Cheers.
Thanks for that mate. Great clip.
Hope it was helpful Andy.
Cheers mate.
I mulch with living moss. That way the soil is acidic all the time
Can you use coffee grinds to lower pH
Folks claim they work but I found that most of the acid is removed in the brewing process Peter. They still make a great soil conditioner, just not as good as the sulphur at lowering the pH.
Cheers mate.
Could you do a video on your self watering device in the bottom of your containers?
Hi there. Have a playlist that shows how we make up our wicking barrels & beds if that helps. Here's the clip for the barrel if it helps.
► ruclips.net/video/wGF72sOwgJI/видео.html
Let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers.
Super helpful mate! Could you also use coffee grounds to acidify the soil a bit?
Most of the acidity is stripped out of the grounds when the coffee is made so they will have little if any effect on the soil pH. I know some recommend them but you'd be better off using fresh unused grounds & then I think it would still be way cheaper & more efficient to use the sulphur.
Hope that helps some. 👍
What kind of organic palette u used, how often and also when u use a sulfur
I just plant blueberry lastweek, I mix peat moss with blood fert and black cow and pine bark and potting soil, can I still give sulfur or do I have to wait, I plant in 20 gollon pot and I put 3 inch pine bark on the pot, Thn u for the advise
Hi Tiara. We use a product here called Rooster Booster. Basically it's pelletised chook manure that breaks down slowly in the soil releasing nutrients as it does.
I only use the sulphur if the pH of the soil rise too high. It's best to check it first before adding any.
Hope that helps some.
Hey this is Ricky from Jamaica I Love your videos, I will love some blue Barry tree starts to start my little ground
Hope they grow well for you Ricky. 👍
Cheers mate.
Hi Bob how do the blueberry like the hot summer sun
They do fine here Steven. Just need to make sure that they're well watered during the heatwaves.
I would like to know how often to feed the plant and if only in spring? Thanks!
I like to feed them couple of months with a liquid seaweed based fertiliser & at the moment I've been top dressing with compost or slow release organic pellets before & after they flower, which is spring for us here in Ipswich.
Cheers Tony.
great thanks
No problem Jesse & have a top one. 👍
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics cool
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing! I have some Oneal and Jubilee blueberry. What southern highbush blueberry do you recommend that will grow around 3-4 feet tall? Please let me know. Thank you so much!
I'm not sure sorry as I haven't researched many varieties. Most southern highbush only get to about 5ft so you could prune them back if height is an issue.
Cheers.
Thanks for sharing nice planting I’m new subscribe stay safe 😊
No problem at all Catalina. 😁
Cheers & all the best.
Hello Rob, glad I found you while looking into how to grow Blueberries. We just bought a Sunshine Blue variety and we're situated in Gawler Nth of Adelaide SA. We'd like to grow it in a clay pot measuring 50 cm's wide by 36 cm's deep (If you agree it's suitable)
What would be a good soil recipe to make up for a pot this size so the grandkids can enjoy a bounty of Blueberries, they love them. Thanking you Grazz.
Sorry I missed this Grazz. That sounds like an OK size pot. I would keep an eye on the roots & repot it every few years if they become root-bound in there.
Am very sorry for taking so long to respond. Did you end up using that pot?
Cheers.
Always watch your work Rob...but there seem to be a slight problem with the ph of those whiskers..or could it be the nutrition ? Also I use a product ' ph Down ' which a tiny amount brings the ph down much quicker than the sulphur that then takes over the long term ph for my blueberries.
😆 I haven't thought of using pH down myself but have a bit on hand for aquaponics emergencies. Might try that next time round to see how it goes.
Thanks john.
Would it be possible to grow blue berries in a coco coir/perlite hydroponically, simply controlling the Ph and of course the nutrients?
I would think so Callan. I'd check with a hydro group or store on the finer details as I stopped looking into hydro 20 years ago.
Happy Growing
@@RobsAquaponics okay will do, thanks for the reply
Interested to hear if you prune your blueberries rob?
Hi Sarah. I've basically been taking off any of the sick or dying growth points up to now & only removed a few of the older main stems/canes. I think if I took out a few more of the older main stems the plant might be a tad more productive. Will be posting a clip on that at the end of the season. 👍
Hope that helps some & have a great one.
Hello does used coffee lower the ph of the soil?
It doesn't really as most of the acid is removed during the brewing process.
Will using one tablespoon of vinegar per gallon also be good to lower the soil pH? I hear this is good since vinegar is pH 2 and mixing with a gallon of water will lower that pH. Is this ok?
I've seen folks suggest this but am not convinced it will work too well. I think you're better off adding some natural garden sulphur as it will take longer to breakdown leaving the pH at a more stable level for longer.
What do You mean by organic chiken pellets ? Is it chiken food or chiken manure ?
The "Rooster Booster" is made from manure collected from chicken farms as I understand it.
Cheers.
would blueberries do good in root pouches and if so how big a pouch do you suggest?
Hi Shawn. This lady here will be transplanted into a 25gal/95L one at the end of the season. I probably wouldn't go any smaller than that.
I recently posted a clip where I planted some dwarf bushes (3ft/1m tall variety) into some 15gal/56L pouches & I think they'll do well in there. ruclips.net/video/pjizIoMC2CM/видео.html
Hope that helps you out some.
Cheers.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Cool thank you for the information. love the videos, keep up the good work!
Thanks for the tips. We have a few blueberry plants that are so long and stringy. I'm tempted to give them a prune, but fear that I'll take all the fruiting wood off. Any tips or links for winter or fall pruning without setting a harvest back a year? Thanks, Rob!
Hi Ian. So far I've only been giving our girl a rough haircut after she finishes fruiting. I just remove the tip growth (back to the main stem) that looks like it's dying back or damaged in any way. It is a good idea to take out the older stems & that will encourage more growth but haven't done that regularly here with ours. Might do so at the end of the season with this one as I'm thinking of re potting her into a pouch before next season.
Hope your growing family are all well & happy mate.
Thanks for the information, Rob. Would these technics work on raspberries? Love me raspberries. Luck on the new site. Is Lizie going to be the official spokesdog?
Hi Harry. Sh'es not a very "talkative" dog. Will let loose at the postman if they come to the door or strangers come around. The site still needs a lot of work. Is very slow to load so when I get some free time I'll be looking into how to speed that up.
Raspberries don't require as low a pH as blueberries & you prune them differently too. With the raspberries the canes come off once they fruit to encourage the next flush to come through. Have you got some growing at the moment?
Cheers mate.
Starting to turn to Autumn up here, so planning on late winter/early spring plantings.
спасибо за ролик добрый американец. привет из России.
Всем привет.
Я из Австралии. 🦘
Hello there, I was curious what USDA Zone you're growing in and specifically the ranges for the "Blueberry Burst" I am in Eureka CA and we are 9B which is working well for Southern Highbush Varieties
Hi there FS.
We would be in about a zone 10 equivalent here in SE Queensland. The Burst are a compact version of the Southern Highbush as I understand it if that helps any.
Cheers & happy growing.
Hey Rob, any recommendations as to where to get the plants/seeds, or types of blueberries that are good for qld/brisbane climate? Cheers
Hi David. Southern highbush or Rabbits eyes varieties do best in our area I've been told David.
I've always had good results from plants I get from Daleys & they have some in stock now as well.
www.daleysfruit.com.au/fruit%20pages/blueberry.htm
Hope that helps some mate.
@@RobsAquaponics awesome mate thanks so much. Will make the wife happy ;-)
@@DavidUebergang No problem David. 😁👍
What garden zone are you in Rob Bob?
Sub subtropical SE Queensland Australia Harold. 👍 I think it's 10a or 10b if you'r in the US.
BTW, I wonder if we're related. I'm also a Gray. 🤔👍
@@RobsAquaponics I don't know if we are related.
Hi. I live in the northern states and I just moved to a house with two sets of northland blue berry plants . It did not flower or fruit. What should I do for next spring. We are leaving summer and fall is coming in. ????
It's probably best to feed them at the end of Winter/start of Spring when the ground starts to warm up Joan. That way they'll have the nutrients when they need it. A good quality compost or slow release organic fertiliser should do the trick.
Cheers. 👍
@@RobsAquaponics okay when the ground start to warm up.
Hi Rob
I have tried growing blueberries but first plant died and second just potted.
How can we grow plenty of crops and organic fertilisers you would recommended.
I like to use compost where I can. If I don't have any I'll use a slow release organic pellet fertiliser made from chicken waste. I've also found fish emulsion to be a great liquid feed if you can find some.
How often do you use sulphur to reduce ph.
I add it in once a season here. Would pay for you to test the soil pH first before adding any in Ali.
Cheers/
I've read that coffee grinds help over time, but old liquid coffee will quickly lower PH. Can anyone confirm or deny?
It will lower the pH a bit but not as well as the flowers of sulphur.
Cheers.
Hi Rob, where can i buy the sea weed powder for my blueberry tree , and does blueberry tree need the sun? thank you
We get our seaweed/kelp from the local nurseries or "big box" hardware store Suzy. 👍
They do need a fair amount of sun to grow well. I will be moving ours from out behind the banana trees soon as the winter sun is a bit low in the sky at the moment & they'r in partial shade for most of the day.
Cheers & happy growing.
Hi rob! What blueberry type do you recommend for a really hot climate in qld?
We went for the Southern Highbush as it needs less frost hours Catlady 43. You'll probably find a few different types of that variety at most nurseries up here.
Cheers.
Great show. What do you think of adding vinegar to the watering?
Hi Henry. My understanding is that if the soil is at the correct pH & dosed regularly with amendments like the sulphur there should be no need to acidify the water you use.
Might be something to look into further though if you do have very water pH. Once we have a few rain water tanks collecting water here I'll be using the water in them for watering pH sensitive plants like the berries.
Cheers
Do you put and acidic fertilizer in your water when you fill the bucket?
I don't Rodger. I just side dress with some sulphur 👍
@@RobsAquaponics thanks 🙏
Can I use epsom salt?
I've used it in our gardens. 👍
Hi can i use bananna peel instead ofseaweed fertilizer
Yes you can but there will be much more potassium in other fertilisers I think Dalia.
Cheers.
What about pine bark?
I have added it to the ones we grow in pouches with low pH potting soil but found I still had to add the sulphur to lower the pH.
@@RobsAquaponics Thank you for the response!
And.. On a web page...
Coffee grounds also makes soil acidic.
I have seen a few claim that but testing shows it's a furphy. 😉
Is easy enough to grab a kit from a garden centre & test it for yourself if you need more proof.
Cheers & happy growing.
Hi Rob, Thanks heaps for your youtube clips, very informative and Australian! I've just purchased two blueberries and want to set them up in much the same way as you have int he clip. I'm wondering where you purchase the flowers of sulphur?
Hi Jodi & sorry I missed this question. I use the Manutec brand which should be available in most large hardware & nurseries.
Hope that helps & that your plants are doing well.
Cheers.
Hello-- Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a diploma or certificate on Blueberry breeding ?
Not that I' aware of. It would generally be covered in courses that include propagation I'd think. Might be best to inquire with a plant breeder & see what they would recommend.
Hope you find the information you need mate.
Hello, what variety of blueberry was this?
This was a Southern high bush Ali. I lost the tag not long after buying it so can't tell you which variety though.
Sorry about that.
Do you get sulfur from garden shop ? I never seen it.
It's normally with all the fertilisers Vivienne. 👍 You can get a similar product called "Wettable sulphur" but that's for used for controlling mildew, rust & some mites. Not so great for lowering pH.
The folks there should be able to help it you ask.
@@RobsAquaponics thank you Rob.
i wonder watching videos like this as to why someone would dislike this video?
Takes all sorts Josime & doesn't bother me at all. I normally get a single dislike in the first hour so I take it I have a serial thumbs down "fan" out there. 😄
Cheers & all the best.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics, I am curious so do you get to see who it is?
Someone that doesn't like beards maybe. 🙂😉
They probably dislike life
So I can give it some leftover coffee or vinegar to give the soil some acid.
Coffee would be OK but I wouldn't be pouring straight vinegar on the soil Cathy. It might be a bit too much in one hit.
I'm about to plant these two blueberry seedlings in containers of their own but tested the PH in the soil and it's reading almost 7.5. Is it safe to still plant these?
It would pay for you to reduce the pH first mate to get them off to a flying start.
I've also seen them do fine in pH7 soils but think I'd prefer to fix the soil before planting.
Ok thank you for your iput on this for me.
G'day From Melbourne Rob, quick one mate, where do you get your elemental suplhur from?
Hey Adamsky.
I've been getting it from the big "B" store. It's the Manutec brand & is in with the rest of the fertilisers inside the store itself. In ours it's the same isle as the seeds from memory.
Hope that helps some mate.
Cheers.
PS, What varieties do you grow?
Hi Chris. I have a southern Highbush in the barrel & the blueberry burst in the pouches. 👍 Will be including a look at the Highbush in an upcoming clip as she's not looking the best. 😕
Cheers.
Do you know if vinegar added to water affects the PH? I've heard it does, and it makes sense to me that it would.
Vinegar can lower the pH as it's acidic but it can also kill off bacteria if added directly to the soil as i understand it.
I think it would be better & maybe cheaper just to treat the soil with an amendment like sulphur. 👍
Cheers HDC 🙂
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm oh, that makes sense, I hadn't considered the bacteria. Important factors. Thanks!
Won't the sulphur hurt beneficial soil fungi?
It may do but I didn't notice any issues with plant growth.
I just read to water them with 1 cup vinegar in a gallon of water!
I heard 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water.
I find it easier to just use the sulphur. Did you try the vinegar method? Did you find it helped?
Sorry I missed your comment too.
👍👍👍👍👍
👍👍👍👍👍🙂
Have a top one.
Rob, a question for you. Given that you amend beds, pots etc and oft try and meet plant requirements [and or fish]. All of the clips I have seen of yours often express a healthy population of earth worms. Now, the question is, do you find the same earthworm populations in beds that run at a pH of, say 5.0 and 8.0? Is there a happy worm medium, I appreciate this is not a scientific study just observational. Any thoughts please?.... Cheers Floot
Hi Floot. Compost worms do best in pH range between 6 & 7 as I understand it so do well in both the soil & aquaponic beds here. Will have a dig around the soil in the barrel down the back & see hat I can find worm wise when I pop down there later & shall report back. 👍
Cheers.
How about a little vinegar in the water?
Is easier to use the sulphur as the vinegar won't disperse very well. Would be interested in knowing how you go if you try it yourself John.
Cheers.
Do you or have you used fish emulsion on your soil beds?
I've been using it a bit lately Jackie as I haven't been making a lot of compost. The greens love it & respond very well after a good feed. You looking to try some yourself?
Cheers.
Hi Rob, I'm a Brit based in Beijing, China. I'm running a few Chinese Aquaponics Groups here via an App called: WeChat. I also do a few workshops building various components for aquaponics systems etc... One of my members has just posted one of your videos via a Chinese link that has basically copied one of your RUclips videos and republished it through their own channel and made no reference to you. On their comments page, I have added your info and your youtube link so you get the credit for your own video.
Hi Paul. Thanks for putting in a good word for me. 🙂👍
I've just had someone from China ask if they can download & use my clips. I'm not very happy about it as I put in hours helping folks for free that have questions about their own systems after seeing my clips & all I get is a few dollars per video for my efforts from RUclips.
Is there any reasons they just can't link to my channel in the app? They can also create a playlist of my clips on their own RUclips channel & refer folks there if they like.
BTW, do you know of any cheap translation services? Probably a silly question but I'd be interested in seeing how much it would cost to get it translated into Mandarin.
Cheers Paul & have a top one.
Hi Rob, Unfortunately, RUclips is banned in China, along with many other websites, unless they got a VPN that gets around the firewalls that prevents Chinese citizens accessing banned websites. However, China has a website similar to RUclips called Youku.com, the biggest issue that its all in Chinese and if you have a buddy back home to help you upload your videos on this website then this will certainly increase your global exposure. I will talk to the Chinese guy who is making these posts and see if we can advertise links to give viewers the choice to view the Chinese restricted links to your channel.
If you are able to download the WeChat App (Similar to Line & WhatsApp), I can add you into the Chinese Aquaponics groups, whereby you can type in English and they can use the In-App translator to understand what is being said. Chinese also gets translated into English etc... Once networked within a week, I can then help you setup your own WeChat group, whereby you can post direct links to your RUclips channel. Here is my WeChat ID: -NIUCO-
Thanks for that. I'm think I'll open an account there myself so they can share directly. 👍 If you would like to let the chap know I'd be interested in maybe getting some help & will see if we can come to some agreement that will benefit him as well I'd appreciate it.
Thanks for all this Paul. 👍
I just reserved a WeChat group for you called: Rob's Backyard Aquaponics. Once you have setup a WeChat account and added me as a friend then I can transfer the Group to you and then invite the masses (3000+) of Chinese Aquaponic Group members (Unfortunately each Wechat group can only accommodate 500 members).
You do know that pine bark is acidic? Well our pine bark in North America is anyway. I give my blueberries coffee and tea grounds and they love it. I had loads of berries in 2019, plus they grow wild in many areas in my area. The wild ones taste so much better than the hybrids.
I'm not convinced that the pine bark I used lowered the pH as I find it is still up around 7 even when used in this lower pH soil blend.
I have seen numerous articles done by researchers that say the needles do nothing to lower pH & would suspect that the bark would have a similar affect. I do know that pine forest floors have a fairly stable pH as well which goes against what folks say about the trees ability to lower pH.
Cheers.
I thought you weren't supposed to fertilize blueberries during the growing season. All the things I read said to do it in winter.
We live in the subtropics so have found that some years the plants will grow year round, others they may go dormant for a month or so. I've also read in many places that spring is the best time to feed them so they have all they need coming into the growing season if they go dormant over winter.
I don't know how much water you need to water, but if you're using tap water, fill up a few buckets and let them sit out for a few and most of the "additives" should evaporate out. Otherwise catch rainwater...its natural, not "organic" Your bushes will be very happy!
We have a filter on the line coming into the property that removes a lot of the chlorine but I still let it sit & offgas for the aquaponics.
A scientist up in Canada did an interesting clip looking at using town water on soil gardens if that interests you.
ruclips.net/video/tgvlE8YM1xI/видео.html
& the follow up
ruclips.net/video/dMWpFDEf5j8/видео.html
I won't use rain water collected from our roof without filtering it first. We live on a main road so are more likely to have diesel exhaust & other fine particles in amounts that could be dangerous to our aquaponic fish. It will be an interesting experiment to do once we have them all set up I think.
Cheers Joey & happy growing mate.
I think Azomite make your Ph high
I really don't think it would be an issue with the small amount used. Feel free not to add it to yours if you have concerns.
Cheers & happy growing David.
🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋
😁😁😁👋
When he says chicken pellets, is that just a nicer term of saying chicken shit?
I believe he means pelleted fertiliser made from chook shit 😉
www.neutrog.com.au/product_range/rooster-booster/
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm omg I went to the garden asking for chicken feces for my blueberries, prolly look like such a dummy. Anyways thanks.
I actually went to pick up two BB younglings today. One was called blue crop and the other was ____(forgot, will check). It was taller than the blue crop plant. From some photos online, an i right in presuming they are both high bush? They were the only two strains left. I had organic soil already and i asked the 2 dummy faux garden experts what I would need to prep a low ph soil for blueberries. They recommended me peat moss n told me to moisten n mix the block into the soil.... but when I got home I realised they gave me a block of coco coir, that had a brand name called BeatsPeat. Soooo yeah.. I shouldn't be using coco coir at all right ? I should go return it tomorrow for the actual real peat moss for my blueberries right? Thx.
Sorry I missed this Monty. How did you go, did you swap over the block?