I'm planning to pot three blueberry bushes, but I'm unsure about the compost to use. I know that blueberries thrive in acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. However, the ericaceous compost I picked up from B&Q has a pH of 7, which seems off. Can anyone recommend reliable brands of acidic compost for blueberries?
4 Answers
Definitely return that compost to B&Q! Their quality control seems lacking—I once returned some plaster that was six months expired! You deserve better soil for your blueberries!
I've noticed that ericaceous compost from different brands can be pretty hit-or-miss. There's actually no strict requirement for it to be acidic, which is concerning! Personally, I've had success adding sulfur chips to the mix and using an ericaceous liquid feed to help acidify the soil.
It's strange that your compost is neutral at pH 7. I read somewhere that ericaceous soil helps make iron available for acid-loving plants. Funny enough, I’m trying to grow grass alongside my blueberries to see if it helps, and it could save some cash too! Also, watering with vinegar and rainwater is a quick fix if you prefer not to experiment.
I heard it can be tricky finding good acidic compost. Stick with brands that specialize in acid-loving plants. Maybe get some recommendations from local gardening groups!
How long does it usually take for the sulfur to start working on the soil's acidity?