How to Plant Blueberries in Louisiana

Find a suitable spot in your Louisiana yard for planting the blueberry bushes. The plant needs to get a minimum of six hours of full sunlight each day. If no area like this is available, up to 50% shade usually works. Measure the soil pH level with a test kit to make sure it's between 4.0 and 5.3. Lower the soil pH with wettable sulfur at least several months before planting if necessary.

Obtain rabbiteye blueberry bushes, the primary species grown in the state and one that's most likely bring success to the home gardener, according to a Louisiana State University report. Visit a local nursery to find bushes that are 2 to 3 years old if you wish to have fruit during the summer. Get the bushes in the fall or winter, which is the ideal planting season.

Dig one hole for each bush you'll be planting, leaving a space of at least 6 feet between bushes in the same row. Leave 12 feet of space between rows. Each hole should be several inches deeper than the root bulb of the plant.

Remove the blueberry bush from the container, and gently separate the root bulb with your hands, which prevents root-bounding after planting.

Soak the roots of the blueberry bush in water for at least two hours. Place the bush into the hole after this time has elapsed. Cover with peat moss or mulch to assist with soil drainage. Press the mulch down using your feet to make it firm around the bush.

Water the bush thoroughly immediately after planting.

Prune approximately one-third of the bush's top growth, and remove any low, twiggy growth completely.