What Soil for Blueberries?

Soil pH

• Blueberries need to be grown in a pH range between 4.5 to 5.5, which is more acidic than the preferred range of most other plants. Plants will show signs of leaf yellowing when they are planted in soil that is over 5.5, or their roots can burn of the soil is under 4.5. Gardeners should conduct a soil pH test on the proposed planting site to find out the range, and soil tests should be conducted each year to ensure the pH remains in the preferred range.

Liming and Adding Sulfur

• Soil that is too acidic should be limed. The amount of lime you spread in the soil depends on how off your soil's pH range is. For alkaline soil, sulfur or compost is typically spread over the soil. It takes approximately three to four months to alter the soil's pH range after the amendment application. After three to six months have passed, retest the soil to ensure the preferred range has been achieved.

Well-Draining Soil

• You can check your soil's drainage by digging a hole that is 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. The sides of the hole should be straight. Fill the hole with water, and allow the hole to drain. Refill the hole with water, and measure the water level. Measure the water line every hour. Soil that drains less than 1 inch per hour should be amended. Spread 3 to 4 inches of compost and sphagnum moss over the area. Blueberry plants cannot tolerate poor-draining soil. In addition, poor-draining soil puts plants at risk for contracting a fungal disease.

Mulches

• Mulches are used to help keep weeds at bay and for keeping the soil under the blueberry plant acidic. Acidic mulches include pine needles, pine bark and sphagnum moss. As the mulch decomposes, it contributes nutrients to the soil. You will have to keep an eye on the mulch and add more as it decomposes. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch under the plant is typically prescribed, but do not place mulch against the main stem of the plant.