Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - November 03, 2011
From: Hamilton, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Transplants
Title: Transplanting Blueberries in NY State
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
I would like to ask you about transplanting blueberry bushes. When can I move them? 3 of them are at least 10 years old and haven't done well in their current location. I have built a fence to keep the deer out and hope that it will help them if the deer can't nibble on them. Thank you.ANSWER:
The more you understand about the natural history of this plant the easier transplanting will be. Transplantng is most successfully carried out if you do so when the plants are dormant and you can still dig in the soil. In addition to fencing the deer out, make sure that the location to which you are transplanting the blueberries meet their needs. Generally blueberries need:
- Acidic soil (see: Molly Shaw. Soil pH is More Important Than Fertilizer for Blueberries. NY Berry News, Vol. 7 # 6 June 5, 2008. Cornell University Cooperative Extension)
- Sunny location
- Availability of sufficient water during the growing season
These links will take you to sources of information about the natural history of blueberries and on how to plant/ transplant them.
The St. Lawrence Nurseries in Potsdam provide a thorough guide to planting and care of blueberries.
The Columbia County Cooperative Extension, Hudson, NY also has an excellent publication on the care of blueberries in New York by Steven Mckay: Blueberries In The Home Garden
More Transplants Questions
Brown leaves on possumhaw holly in Grandview TX
July 02, 2009 - What would be likely causes for brown leaves on possumhaw holly? We have 2, one was planted in spring 2008, and a slightly larger one planted late winter/early spring this year. Most of the leaves a...
view the full question and answer
Gardening advice for Quebec
April 15, 2011 - I live in Aylmer Quebec
1. I bought some lily bulbs at a Christmas bazaar. When can I plant them and what do I put in the hole with the bulbs?
2. I bought a little potted cedar at COSTCO for a Ch...
view the full question and answer
Leaf fall from Cedar Elm planted in clay
August 17, 2008 - I saw the answer to leaves falling off a cedar elm planted in clay. However I planted a Cedar Elm in my back yard. I dug a hole in the grass then planted and put grass back on top. I water every other...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Ruda plant drying up in Florida
February 19, 2009 - I have a RUDA plant at work, but do not know if I am putting too much water on it, it is about 1 meter high but I think is drying up. How often do I water it? I'm in Miami Fl.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Sideroxylon lanuginosum in Austin
August 12, 2009 - I have a tall (30-40 ft) Sideroxylon lanuginosum in my backyard. Last fall hundreds of saplings popped up in my yard following runners from the tall tree. I would like to keep a few of these sapling...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |