I live in southern west Australia and have begun growing blueberries. Soil acid correct and all seems full steam ahead. . . lovely flowers, healthy fruit, but no leaves and plants look like they might be on their last legs!! Any help welcomed. It also gets plenty of pure Aussie rainwater, love, care and tenderness. . . yet no leaves!!
I suspect that the plants have a fungus. Treat the plants with a fungicide and try to prune a little to allow better air circulation. Also, if possible, water from below.
I'm wondering if there is a way to start new bushes from my established ones? Also, do you recommend trimming the height of the bushes as well as thinning them out? Thanks you.
Blueberry plants are shrubs and can't be divided the way most perennials are; however, you could propagate them via their shoots, which are found around the base of the bushes. They can also be propagated through cuttings, both hardwood and softwood cuttings. Most propagation is done with hardwood cuttings, as they are easier to handle and are less perishable than softwood cuttings. However, softwood cuttings generally grow quicker. Here is more information on how to propagate cuttings: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm
As for pruning, this article should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-plant-pruning.htm
My blueberries and muscadines are in their second year growth. What fertilizer do I use and when?
This article will help with fertilizing blueberries: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-fertilizer.htm
I would recommend using a slow release fertilizer, like Osmocote, on your muscadine vine during the spring/summer to make sure it gets enough nutrients.
We have several blueberry bushes and 4 out of 8 have died. The remaining 4 bear some fruit, but very little. What could be the problem?
How is your soil? It could be due to the pH of your soil. Blueberries like low soil pH; otherwise, the roots become blocked and the plant cannot take in any moisture or nutrients and will quietly wither and die. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/growing-blueberry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/lower-soil-ph-blueberries.htm
Are Black Walnut trees compatible with blueberry bushes?
No they are not compatible. This article will help with plants that are: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/black-walnut/black-walnut-compatible-plants.htm
I bought blueberry bushes; they are doing great. However, the fruit is falling off the bushes. What can I do to prevent this?
This may signal a pollination issue. Without proper pollination, plants will normally abort their fruit/blossoms.
Why are new baby berries falling off the blueberry bush?
This may signal a pollination issue. Without proper pollination, plants will normally abort their fruit/blossoms.