[Elmarto]

Hi

I am after some advice! I have ordered 2 blueberry plants online and I intend to grow them in some fairly large pots.

As they are permanent plants and hopefully long lived I want to get the potting mix right. I know they are acid loving so will use ericaceous compost but should I mix it with some john innes number 3 so it has a bit more body?

Many thanks for any suggestions/advice!

[JayG]

The loam component is a good idea as it will provide a more long lasting medium for growing them in - however, the limestone most JI composts contain is not good news at all for blueberries.

There is a JI formulation for ericaceous plants which you may be able to buy, but you could consider making it yourself:

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/how-to-make-john-innes-compost.html

If you don't want to go to those lengths, you could just add some ordinary soil to the ericaceous compost, as long as you are certain it isn't at all limey (pH 7 at the highest, preferably lower.)

[Elmarto]

Thanks for that, it makes quite interesting reading! I think I will try adding a couple of shovels of garden soil to the mix and save a few quid!

I have noticed there are a few camellias doing rather well round here so i guess its not too limey!