How do I increase acidity AFTER both blueberries and strawberries have been planted?
Spread some sulfur on the surface and work it into the soil as much as possible or cover with mulch. That’s not hard. Rate will take some research. It’s based on a number of factors.
Do strawberries need acidic soil? Mine grew fine in mostly sand, and I had to water them a lot with 7.0 to 7.5 ph tap water.
I have read the like slightly acidic soil. Mine grew fine this year but they are in the same area as the blueberries so I figure I would hit them too
My ph was high and my blueberries were growing slowly. I have been adding a little sulfur as you mentioned for a few years. They are growing better now although I haven’t recently checked the ph.
In addition to using elemental sulfur to lower soil pH, the venerable Don (Jellyman) Yellman used to also recommend spreading iron sulfate around blueberries if leaves were yellowing.
Got to try this as I have two plants with yellowing leaves.
amending with a few inches of peat then mulch over that helps keep acidity and moisture also.
I have to confess. I didn’t have time so I bought a gigantic sized peat and just piled them on my blueberries. I have tons of blueberries this year.
I’ve heard of people planting blueberries right in a bale of peat and get great results!
If they are already in the ground, am I able to do thsi? I have both peat and mulch because I have two blueberries I’m planting this weekend.
what is the native soil ph? if fairly neutral or alkaline id mix peat 1/2 and 1/2 with your native soil and some compost. plant in that , then mulch with more peat and regular mulch over that. thats what i did here and my reg. soil ph is 6.
Moose,
I’ve seen an article - from Pete Tallman, I think - years ago in POMONA, about growing BBs in peat bales in high pH soils, like in Colorado.
Here’s one:
sorry. i didn’t answer your question. if they are planted already, id try some sulfur covered with a few in. of peat and about 2-3in. of mulch. if you have a higher ph soil you may need to do this every spring. id do a ph test in early spring to check the ph so you don’t bring it too low. good luck!
Nobody asks about your irrigation water, is it alkaline? You can dose it with acid to push the pH down. Slightly acidifying your water can also eventually help to neutralize/acidify your soil over time, and can make some of the minerals easier to leach out.
thanks! sounds like a good plan!
Uygi, great question. I never thought about that. I’ll have to test it.
some vinegar in the water will bring down ph. just a splash will do in a watering can.