Is it too late to plant? I know they will winter over in their pots since they are very hardy.

Thanks!

Susan

I think I'd go ahead and plant them in the ground and just water them in well and mulch (and I know you'd do both without me saying that). If you leave them in their containers, they're going to be more vulnerable to cold weather because plants in containers are considered to be growing in weather one zone colder than plants in the ground because they're more exposed to cold without the ground's insulating effect.

It's good to see you here! I've missed you and hope all is well with you and your family.

Dawn

In the past I have not had a problem planting them in the ground in early Nov.

It is worth the effort and $$$ once they get their first big crop (which should be in 2012 for you). I always cheat and let a few berries stay on in the first two years in the ground also. You can leave some on in 2011 and the plant will probably never know the difference the following year.

On adding sand, what amount do you intend to use and is it specifically to aid drainage? I am now leaning more toward doing pots where I can monitor drainage issues as well as acidity more closely. I don't need huge production down the road. It is just me to feed, LOL! I love BBs tho and use them in my cereal, pancakes, crisp, cobblers, and just tons of ways. I bought a lot this summer because prices were much more reasonable with more purchases from local growers available in supermarkets.

Thanks for the well wishes, Dawn. I was only on the Butterfly Forum this summer. Had guardianship of my beautiful granddaughter and spent lots of time with her. She enjoyed staying home with nanna much more than going to daycare. We also raised numerous butterflies and sphinx moths, including the dreaded tomatoe/tobacco hornworms that everyone but few of us appreciate for their pollinating abilities. Added 2 new ones to the number of different sphinx I have raised - Virginia Creeper and Pandora. Had a little Nessus buddy that nectared while I gardened - so gorgeous - larger than Snowberries, they are a beautiful reddish brown with two white stripes across abdomen. Lisa came over and saw him that day while we collected caterpillars. I raised Black Swallowtails, Buckeyes, Monarchs, Gulf Frits, Red Admirals, Duskywings, Gray Hairstreaks, Sleepy Oranges, Cloudless Sulphurs, and several moths.

The Blueberries are also a host for a little hairstreak butterfly, too. Plus the flowers provide early nectaring for butterflies and pollen for honeybees as well. Synergy in motion, ya know? I think I may get more production from my currant next year, too, and it blooms early spring as well (Ribes odoratum).

My hardy Ichang lemon is about 4' tall and doing very, very well. I am hopeful I will get lemons before too much longer. And....it is a host for Giant Swallowtail butterflies.

So, if anyone thinks I an a bit fruity.....they're right and I am getting there!

Susan