BLUEBERRY PLANTING GUIDE

for the

HOME GARDENER

Site Selection - The planting area should be in full sunlight with good soil drainage. Blueberries cannot tolerate standing water, therefore avoid heavy soils.

Site Preparation - Blueberries prefer an acid soil with a pH of 4.0 – 5.0. If your pH is above this add 3 ounces of ammonium sulfate and ¼ pound of cottonseed meal for each plant. Also include rotted leaf mold or peat moss to help lower the pH.

Planting - Blueberries can be planted early in the spring. Frost will not hurt the plants. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Any combination of varieties will work. Prepare a hole that is roughly 15 inches wide and 15 inches deep. Prune off approximately 1/3 of the top growth which will enable the roots to develop more efficiently. Before planting, soak the bushes in water for one hour. You do not want the bush to dry out during the planting procedure. After digging the hole, mix the soil that was removed with the rotted leaf mold or peat moss. Return most of this mixture to the hole. Place the blueberry bush so that the lower roots are not more than 5 inches below ground level and the upper roots are not covered by more than one inch of soil. Use the remaining soil mixture when filling in around the roots. Pack the soil firmly. Take great care not to plant too deep. Plant spacing is best at 4.5 to 5 feet between plants and 8 feet between rows.

Fertilizer - Approximately 8 weeks after planting apply 1 – 2 ounces of ammonium sulfate around the drip line of the plant. Do not over fertilizer as this may burn the plant. Continue to add 2 ounces of fertilizer at blossom time and 2 ounces one month later during subsequent years. Use a complete fertilizer (10-10-10), a garden center pre-mix for azaleas or hollys, or a cottonseed meal. Do not apply fertilizer in the late summer or early fall. This may make the plants susceptible to winter damage.

Mulching - By applying a heavy mulch you are helping with water retention, weed control, and the overall health of the plant. Sawdust, wood chips, or any natural organic matter will suffice. Keep in mind that when using sawdust it is necessary to add 13 ounces of ammonium sulfate or 8 ounce of ammonium nitrate.

Blossom Removal - By removing the plant blossoms in the first growing season, you will enable the plant to develop a stronger root system. A more extensive root system will lead to a stronger plant that will be producing high yields for years to come.

Pruning - After removing the top 1/3 growth during planting time, there is no need for additional pruning until the 4th year. From that point on, the plants should be pruned during the dormant cycle. Prune out the weaker branches that are less than 8 inches long and any old, heavy branches. This will enable the sunlight and air to penetrate and aid in the overall health of the plant. By paying attention to pruning, the life of a blueberry plant can be extended for several years.