How to Care for Blueberries

Plant the blueberry bush in a sunny location with loose, well-draining, slightly acidic soil that has a pH level between 4.0 and 5.2. These shallow-rooted plants compete poorly with other trees and shrubs for soil moisture and nutrients, so make sure the planting site has no other plants nearby. Space multiple plants 6 to 8 feet apart.

Water the blueberry bush one to two times a week, providing it 1 inch of water with a hose. These plants are sensitive to water fluctuations. However, provide additional water during the hot, dry summer months so the plant produces good quality fruit.

Spread a 2- to 4-inch-thick layer of organic mulch around the bush, 4 inches from the main stem. Organic mulches such as wood chips, sawdust, shredded leaves and pine needles retain moisture, keep roots cool and prevent weeds from growing near the bush, thus preventing the blueberry from becoming stressed during the summer months.

Fertilize the newly planted blueberry with 2 to 3 tbsp. of 10-20-10 fertilizer in late spring. After that feed the plant 1 oz. of fertilizer every year after planting, and add 1 oz. every year until you reach a total of 8 oz. Feed the plant in early spring to encourage it to produce healthy berries. You can also feed established plants 1/2 to 1 lb. of ammonium sulfate for every 100-square-foot garden space in early spring.

Pinch off any blossoms that appear on the blueberry bush during the first two years of its life. Removing the flowers increases yield in the later years and maximizes vegetative growth.

Remove dead or diseased branches from the blueberry bush during the first three years after planting. Begin pruning the plant during November and March of its fourth year and afterward. Remove weak and dead branches along with any thin limbs and crossing branches to allow light to penetrate the plant. In subsequent years, cut back older branches to encourage new growth. Prune low-lying branches and twiggy limbs.

Spread netting over the bush when berries appear to prevent birds from picking on them. Inspect the plant for symptoms of diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spots and twig blight, and apply a fungicide immediately to prevent spread.