Can I Transplant Established Blueberries?

Transplanting

• Transplanting should be done in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Dormant plants respond better to stress and recover faster. Dig gently starting a foot away from the blueberry plant to determine the extent of the roots. Excavate around the root circumference. Lightly rock the shrub to loosen it and dig beneath the root ball. Blueberries have surprisingly shallow root systems. A large shrub 4 to 6 feet tall may only have a root system measuring 1 to 2 feet and less than 10 inches deep.

Soil

• Soil in the new planting area should be well-drained, full of organic matter and acidic. Acid can be provided by mixing in composted conifer needles or peat moss. Soil that tends to be alkaline should be prepared this way six months to a year before transplanting. An inexpensive soil test available at garden centers can determine acidity or alkalinity.

Water

• Growing transplanted blueberries requires regular summer water to avoid root stress and foliage drop. Drip irrigation is a good way of providing slow and even moisture during hot summer months. Soaker hoses also work well. Watering with these methods two to four hours twice a week is usually sufficient for most areas. Newly transplanted blueberries should be monitored for moisture levels for at least two years.