Comments on: Blueberries, take two

By: Amy Scott

Amy Scott — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 02:35:12 +0000

April,

You are soooo doomed.

Blueberries need an acidic soil (about 4.5 - 5.5). A ph of 7 is way too high. I also had this same problem, and I ammended the soil with sulfer. Don’t do that! It burned them all down. Here is a good link for you. Best wishes on your new adventure!

By: April

April — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 13:10:33 +0000

Hi Amy, I just found your site and you seem to know your stuff. I live in Orlandoand I love gardening but I have to admit, I am not very good at it yet…I am in the learning curve. Anyway, I love blueberries and have 10 plants right now. 3 each of southern highbush and nothern highbush and 4 sunshine blue which I just got and have yet to plant. I planted the high bush about 6 months ago all in large pots. I am sure I don’t have the soil right. I have a tester and my soil is still just 7 ph. When I planted them, I had a recipe for the soil (which I have lost) . Can someone tell me what the potting medium should be? I would also like to know if anyone has ever tried to grow blueberries in an Earthbox. If so, can you tell me exactly what to do. do blueberries get a different potting mixture? do I need to put the fertilizer strip in? I’d appreciate any help from anyone. Thanks so very much.

By: Carla Lynne

Carla Lynne — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:48:16 +0000

Amy,

I am sure you are used to the high cost of some of the veggies and fruits in your neck of the woods, but my blueberry-loving mouth fell to floor at those prices! :-O
If you like the farm/product (in this case- blueberries), talk to the farmer about co-op/buying power. Organize within your local community to buy/pick larger amounts for cheaper prices. Carpool groups of folks and make it a homeschool trip. Possibly think of next year finding a group of locals who want the blackberries, and organizing a pick-a-peck or group purchase.

Carla Lynne

By: Eryn

Eryn — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 16:49:48 +0000

I have a funeral to go to next Saturday, Amy, but if you get down there and like what you see and go again, definatly let me know!!!!

And as for the berries next Spring, I would definatly be up for going with you (peaches too!!)

Keep me in the loop of when you want to go. You can email me or get my number from Greg’s sister.

By: TulipGrrl

TulipGrrl — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 00:31:37 +0000

Amy, I’m impressed at your gardening ventures in Florida. *grin* While I know that things grow green and wild here, it seems challenging to cultivate anything. My MIL lived inland for awhile while homeschooling–five acres and a houseful of kiddos. She tried gardening, but the only thing that grew were wildflowers over the septic system. The acidic soil from the pine needles did her in.

Other arts I’ve dabbled and had success in, but I have a terminally black thumb. I’m just thankful for the produce market near us with very reasonable prices (especially with their these-are-ripe-today sales–like todays!)

By: Jo in Orlando

Jo in Orlando — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:14:42 +0000

I might be up for that. Email me some details. Would your whole family go? I may also be up for going in with you on the peach trees if we’re still in Florida. I’m so ready to move North of here to a place with no hurricanes.

By: Amy Scott

Amy Scott — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:32:42 +0000

Thanks for the head’s up, T Nash! I actually saw their website awhile ago while looking for U-Picks, but they don’t advertise all their other produce. Wierd, as that is the best part—one stop shopping.

I just talked to Mr. Parke on the phone, and I’m excited to see their operation. I’m also going to look into their produce buying club, and see about finding/setting up a carpool, as it is a 2+ hour drive, one way.

Anyone else want to meet up to do a tour next Saturday? (Jo in Orlando…? Eryn? Anyone?)

By: BlogWatch

BlogWatch — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:54:45 +0000

Blues

Amy with blueberry FAQ at Amy’s Humble Musings….

By: T Nash

T Nash — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 13:12:42 +0000

I have been reading you blog for a while, but never posted. However, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share my favorite u-pick farm. If you come all the way to Plant City, you may want to check out the Parke Family HydroFarm. It is off of I-4 at the Dinoland exit. This u-pick farm uses hydroponic stackers. I love the stackers because it is easy to bring a stroller along inbetween the plants. Our homeschool group took a field trip their this spring. The Parke Family also homeschools. They currently (June 06) have tomatoes, Chinese cabbage (like bok choy), bibb and romaine lettuce, snow peas, sugar snap peas, green beans, green and red sweet peppers, cucumbers and strawberries. They are organic.

Here is their website: http://www.parkehydro.com/
If you send them an email they will send you updates on specials and what is available. gparke@tampabay.rr.com

By: Amy Scott

Amy Scott — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 02:27:10 +0000

Did you make jam with all those fresh berries? Freeze them for later? Don’t keep us in the dark!

We ate almost all of them before the day was done.

Where is this blueberry and especially the blackberry farm?!?

They’re closer to you than us, Eryn. The blueberries were somewhere near Plant City, and the blackberries near Land ‘o Lakes, but you’ll have to wait until next spring. We also found a woman with peaches. Perhaps we can make a trip of it together next year.

Thanks for the advice from Salatin. I need to read more of his stuff.

I believe the berry advice was in You Can Farm.