What Kinds of Compost Is Used to Feed Blueberries?

About Blueberries

• Blueberry bushes are flowering plants in the Ericaceae plant family. The blueberry bush relishes full sun exposure and fails to thrive in shady, cold areas that are prone to frost. The plant lays down shallow roots, so watering must be consistent and frequent to keep the plant hydrated. A blueberry bush of at least 5 years of age can potentially produce about 5 lbs. of berries a season, according to The Washington State University Skagit County Extension. Humans aren't the only creatures that love sweet blueberries: birds flock to the plant and will strip the berries if the bush is not protected with a net of plastic mesh.

Soil Requirements of Blueberry Plants

• Test the pH level of your soil. The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension reports that blueberry plants require a high acid level soil with a minimum pH measurement of 4.5. This high acid content of the soil is essential for the growth of the plant. Sulfur should be added to soil to lower the pH level to 4.5, but the change occurs slowly. The amount of sulfur added is dependent on the amount of soil being adjusted. If at all possible, prepare the soil before planting blueberry bushes to optimize healthy growth. The root system of a blueberry bush descends into the soil about 14 inches at the deepest measurement. Soil should yield good drainage for the plant and if the soil is poor, for example clay or clay loam type soils, materials must be tilled into the dirt. The Oregon State University Extension recommends removing at least 14 inches of topsoil and churning in a mixture of 50 percent pumice, 10 percent loam and 40 percent peat moss. These materials provide good air circulation and drainage for the blueberry bush. If possible, use Canadian sphagnum peat for its natural acidic pH levels.

Typical Compost

• Ordinary compost consists of organic matter such as vegetable scraps and grass clippings that have been allowed to decompose. This decomposed material smells earthy and is a rich, dark brown to black color. According to the Home Orchard Society, typical garden compost is not beneficial to blueberry plants as the vegetable pH levels are too high and fresh lawn cuttings retain too much heat, which damages the shallow roots. For dense soils, such as clay, the Washington State University Skagit County Extension recommends mixing aged manure into the soil prior to planting.

Compost for Blueberries

• Compost can be made specially for blueberry plants. Blueberry farms mulch with fir tree sawdust, which is naturally acidic. However, sawdust sometimes requires nitrogen to hasten decomposition. Create a compost of rotted hemlock, fir or pine sawdust (avoid cedar sawdust as it is toxic for blueberry plants), pine bark, pine needles, well-shredded leaves, peat moss and wood chips. When these materials are well decomposed, they will yield extremely acidic organic compost for use with blueberries.