Boost blueberries with higher acidity.
Blueberry plants added to my landscape a year ago are not making much growth and have a yellowish look. What can I do to help them grow and produce a crop?
Getting your blueberry plants to be good producers is going to take a little extra effort. First make sure the soil acidity is in the 4.5 to 5.5 pH range. These plants need a very acidic soil for best growth. Make a soil test to determine the acidity or have it performed at a local garden center or University of Florida Extension office. Make any adjustments needed.
Next apply an azalea-camellia-type fertilizer once in March, May and August. This formulation contains the nitrogen these plants prefer. Keep the soil moist but not wet and add mulch of pine bark fines over the surface. Both the fertilizer and mulch help keep the soil acidic and create an environment best for blueberries and other acid-loving plants.
I have access to coffee grounds from my office that I heard may or may not be good for plants. Can I add them to the landscape?
Consider coffee grounds another source of organic matter. These leftovers from the popular office brew do contain about 2 percent nitrogen plus a small amount of phosphorus and potassium that are gradually released to feed your plantings. There are also some reports of coffee ground being used to control insects especially on sagos. Feel free to scatter the grounds over the soil surface or add them to the compost pile. It is probably best to avoid big piles or heaps of coffee grounds around plants.