Must-Know Tips To Grow Blueberries In Containers For A Fresh & Juicy Harvest

If you have always dreamed of having your very own fruit and vegetable garden but lack the yard or the time needed to maintain it, you may want to consider growing your favorite foods in containers. There are many benefits to growing a container garden, including less maintenance, protection from things like frost and pests, and, of course, the possibility of growing plants without a large backyard. While vegetables are often the go-to for these vessel gardens, blueberries also thrive in containers when done correctly.

Growing and caring for blueberry pants can be time consuming, especially when you factor in weeds, which can be harmful to the juicy fruit. Plus, blueberries are sensitive to the pH levels in soil, which can be hard to manage in a regular outdoor garden. But if you take the large yard out of the equation, growing blueberries can actually be quite simple. You'll need a large container size, high-acid soil, lots of direct sunlight, and consistent water. 

There are three big things you will need in order to successfully grow blueberries in a container: sunlight, the right receptacle, and a whole lot of patience. While the process is actually quite simple, it can take up to a year or more to see any semblance of blue fruit sprouting. Don't let that deter you, though — once it sprouts, you can enjoy fresh blueberries from your own home for years to come. The first thing to consider is what kind of blueberry you want to grow — there are a ton of delicious varieties, but only certain ones will thrive in a container. Consider varieties that don't grow to be too big, like Sunshine Blue, Pink Lemonade (they produce pink berries!), and Top Hat.

You also want to think about your choice of container. While the fruit itself is tiny, the blueberry plant can grow to be quite big, so you want to pick a container that is at least 16 to 18 inches in diameter. Consider the Smart Pot 20-Gallon Soft-Sided Container from Amazon for $21.72, which is made of fabric for better heat release and proper drainage, or the LotFancy 20-Gallon Grow Bags from Amazon for $23.49.

Once your materials are in hand, it's time to start the growing process. Luckily, planting is the easy part when it comes to the blue fruit. Simply dig a hole inside the container deep enough to cover the ball of the blueberry root and then fill it back up with the high-acid soil — as blueberries require high acidity in their soil to grow properly. You can buy your own blueberry soil mix from your local gardening shop or create your own; just ensure the pH levels are appropriate, as regular soil will not suffice (look for soil pH levels between 4.0 and 5.5). Once your blueberry plant is safe and snug inside its container, you need to place it in a spot that receives a good amount of direct sunlight, about 8 hours per day.

To ensure your blueberries grow properly, make sure to water consistently. You don't want to overwater the plants to the point that a puddle forms above the soil, but you do want to ensure the soil stays spongy and wet. The hotter the weather, the more often you'll have to water it. Use fertilizer about once a year or as needed to help the pH levels in the soil, and remember to care for your plant properly year-round. This means protecting it from both harsh cold and heat and pruning it a few times a year to help it continue to grow and produce blueberries.