I just got both Misty and Sunshine Blue blueberries from Bakers too. I was inspired to try it from getting some information from here:

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing blueberries in the desert

Yup. Mine were planted about 3 weeks ago and I was surprised today that all of them were greening up and half had started to put out new leaves. I still need to order 9 more varieties---thanks for reminding me. I need to get some more container soil made up for them.

Karis did a very nice job with that web page.

Here is a link that might be useful: growing blueberries

FN, do you have a 'recipe' for your blueberry soil?

1/3 - 1/4" pathway bark http://gro-well.com/lawn-garden/ground-covers/decorative-ground-cover-bark-small/
1/3 peat moss, uncompressed
1/3 acid potting soil http://www.groworganic.com/dr-earth-acid-lovers-potting-mix-15-cuft.html
1 handful of soil sulfur (granular) per plant

Above from the link I linked you that I guess you ignored. -sigh-

I mix it thoroughly on a tarp.

Acid fertilizer once a month mixed into its water per directions once plants take off growing.

3 yr. plants (often called 3 gallon) best despite cost because it takes 3 yrs for the blueberries to produce so might as well pay for someone else growing them that time for you so you can have near instant gratification.

Half whiskey barrel containers are under the east side of a ash shade tree so they get morning and very late afternoon sun. Three blueberry varieties per barrel.

Organic mulch about 4" deep--with ash leaves in this case. Blueberries are shallow rooted and thus very sensitive to dessication.

Picture six barrels, one soil but no blueberries yet and two empties out of view.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:396648}}

This post was edited by Fascist_Nation on Sun, Feb 9, 14 at 16:53

"Above from the link I linked you that I guess you ignored. -sigh- "

Well - sighhh.... I did read it *and* printed it out. Thank you. I asked because I wanted to know what you used (had no way of knowing that was it) because you've had success where others have failed. Now - if you'll tolerate more inquisitiveness - some more questions:

Are the bushes in your half-barrels the 3-year olds you mentioned? And why 3 to a barrel? Where are you finding varieties other than Sunshine Blue and Misty? The guy at Bakers mentioned Berridges so thought I'd try there unless there's another good source.

Thanks again; I always read links!

Most varieties you will have to order online, Sunshine Blue Sharpblue, Misty and Oneal are the most commonly found varieties here. This will be my second year attempting blueberries, made a few rookie errors first go round but that's how you learn. I ordered some low chill varieties, Scintilla, Jewel, Emerald, Springwide, along with Misty and Sunshine Blue which are all 100 to 300 chill hours, I just have to wait to see if they can deal with the dry heat, I have a shade setup that I will put in place in May to protect them from Western sun exposure. I went with a mix of sizes larger to hopefully get some fruit this year or next, and some smaller due to cost.

Thanks for some other variety names. Is there an online source you'd recommend? I've bitten this bullet now and I might as well go all in. ;o)

Stick to Southern Highbush and Rabbiteyes.

http://baylaurelnursery.com/blueberries.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=19

http://www.justfruitsandexotics.com/Blueberries.htm

http://www.berriesunlimited.com/southern-blueberries/

http://www.danfinch.com/zone6-9.htm

http://www.trueblueplants.com/

http://www.hartmannsplantcompany.com/plants_bluewarm.htm

http://www.blueberrycroft.com/cms/index.php

http://www.floridahillnursery.com/blueberry-plants-vaccinium-c-34

http://www.islandgroveagproducts.com/store/pc/Blueberries-c81.htm

http://www.fallcreeknursery.com/

http://w3flora.com/realflorablueberries.aspx?submenuheader=8