You realize out front the fruit might get picked by passers-by?

Other than that, that spot will be fine. The hybrids recommended for our area are heat lovers. Amend the whole area with either peat or camellia/azalea mix. Give the plants light doses of soil sulfur twice a year, spring and fall, according to package directions. Fertilize in late August because they push out their new foliage in September. Keep the soil always moist, but never soggy. As soon as berries form in late winter, net them if you don't want the birds to get them all.

Thank you!

I just found a newer variety at The Plant Depot yesterday called Brazel Berries "Peach Sorbet". The berries had the most wonderful flavor. The best of all the varieties I've tasted so far: O'Neals, Misty, and Jubilee. I have not had a chance to taste, Sharp Blue. The berries on Sharp Blue were not ripe yet, but all the Sharp Blue Plants were loaded with berries. I'm really wondering if I should go back an get grab a couple of those plants too.

Blueberries are difficult to grow in the ground. I grow mine in containers. Check out Dave Wilson's site.

For some reason it won't take the link, so you can copy/paste from here:

http://davewilson.com/home-gardens/growing-fruits-and-nuts/vine-and-bush-fruits/blueberries-containers

Karin

An oak barrel - or even a faux oak barrel - Is perfect for blueberries. You can put 3 plants in one standard sized barrel. I see no reason to sink it into the ground. The change of level will add interest. You can plant herbs around the barrel, perhaps putting some stepping stones around the barrel so you can pick the berries without stepping on the other plants. The barrel should not be too close to the sidewalk for reasons mentioned above. At some point, you may have to net the berries, or birds may eat them before you get to them.

The fence is quite low, so if you plan to espalier, you will have to add a trellis or something for support.

Basil is an annual. Tarragon dies out in the winter, but regrows. parsley can last a few years, as can chives. Rosemary is a perennial shrub and can get large if not pruned regularly. Sage is drought tolerant and basil likes more water, so don't plant them next to each other.

Good luck with you edible landscape. One of my neighbors has a pomegranate tree and artichokes in the strip next to the driveway. The tomatoes are farther back where they can't be seen from the street.

Here is a link that might be useful: What's Growin' On?

lgteacher:

Thank you for your great ideas and insight on planting. I did not know basil and Sage should not be planted together. That's probably why my sage didn't do so well. I gotta go look for the oak barrel. I think I may have seen one at Costco... hopefully they still have them.

If you can, could you snap a few pictures of your neighbor's garden? I would love to see how it looks. I've also, considered growing a pomegranate tree. And artichokes have huge gorgeous violet purple flowers.

Do you happen to know if I need to have 2 different varieties of blueberries, for more production, or can I just have 2 of the same variety? Right now I have 2 "Peach Sorbet", but I'm wondering if I should go back and pick up a "Sunshine Blue" also. They're kinda pricey at $35 each so I was trying to start with just 2 and see how they do for me.

Karin: Thank you for the helpful link.

Yes, two varieties of blueberry are recommended for better fruit production. If you go to the Dave Wilson site mentioned above, there is a wealth of information. Thyme is another herb you should consider. It's great for chicken and other dishes, grows low to the ground, needs little water, and lasts several years in our mild climate.

I got a Jubilee blueberry on sale for half price last year, and it's bearing a lot of fruit. Keep your eyes open for sales.

I grow mine in the ground without a problem.

Hoovb:
What kind of soil mix did you use?