[JohnB47]

Hi.

I have two Blueberry plants in 3L pots, covered in  berries  .

I've prepared the ground on the allotment and have some erricateous compost and feed at the ready. But I'm wondering if it's OK to plant them now. My missus thinks it might shock them and all the berries will either not ripen or they'll fall off. I really want to get them in the ground, so's I don't have to keep watering them all the time (and go on holiday without making special arrangements).

Any advice?

[joshbuchan]

well i only re potted my blue berry bush's and a good half if not more of the un ripe blue berry have fallen up, the ones that remain are looking really good tho. i can see the new growth on the top were its shot out in 3 diffront ways from were it was in the green house for abit. so yeah, i think your misses is right, it will probly kick start it into growing mode and drop alot if not all the blue berrys as it will need to get roots exstablishes.

[Antonius]

Hello JohnB47, your missus is right to be worried about the loss of berries so how about this idea. Dig a hole a little deeper but twice as wide as the pots. Sit them in the ground backfill and water well. For my money this should help to keep your plants moist whilst you are on holiday. I would leave planting the Blueberry plants into the ground until the autumn or at least until you have enjoyed your harvest.

[Trillium]

The plants shouldn't notice at all if they've been planted out ---provided you don't disturb their roots. I suspect some of Josh's roots got spread out which would always result in fruit drop, etc..

Before you go away on holidays, mulch the buried pots or roots well after a good watering and they'll be happy to wait for you.

[JohnB47]

Thanks folks.

I might have confused the issue by mentioning holidays - I haven't got one planned. That was just one reason why I wanted to get them on the allotment. But thanks for the advice about mulching anyway.

So the advice varies really. Some say go ahead and other say don't. As I have two and they're both abundant with berries, I think I'll forge ahead with one plant and give it about two weeks before I consider planting the second.

To be honest, some berries are falling off anyway and some are withering before ripening. Not many mind but it may be a signal that they're getting a bit pot bound.

Anyway, that's what I'm planning.

I'll let you know the outcome. Cheers, all.

PS if you have too much rain, send some down here. I think we're turning into a sahara.

[joshbuchan]

yea mine was so pot bound!

i spose the only way u can find out is by planting them,
but what i would do is like u said, wait for the harvest then plant them, as u said u dont have any holidays planned so i spose it cant hurt having to keep watering it like crazy for alittle longer.