Are Blueberries for Home Gardens the Best Berries for South Carolina?

Blueberry Varieties

• The three types of blueberries recommended by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension include rabbiteye, Northern highbush and Southern highbush. Although these are adaptable to South Carolina, you will still have to spend time and money preparing the soil. Remember to plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination.

Soil for Blueberries

• Because blueberries prefer acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5, you will have to test the pH of the soil before planting and amend accordingly with sulfur. They also need soil that is high in organic matter, therefore you will have to incorporate organic materials such as peat moss, composted pine bark or rotted softwood sawdust.

Other Berries

• According to Clemson University, strawberries grow anywhere in South Carolina and are the first fruit to ripen in the spring. Blackberries also grow well and are available in trailing, semi-trailing or erect varieties.