How to Plant Low Blueberry Bushes in Wisconsin

Collect a soil sample from your garden and test it for pH, nutrient levels and organic content. The University of Wisconsin has testing labs for this purpose.

Amend the soil as dictated by the soil test results. Blueberries prefer a pH of 4.5 to 5.3. Add lime to raise the soil pH or sulfur to lower it. Add peat moss, pine sawdust or pine bark if the organic content of the soil is below 3 percent. Mix the amendments into the soil to a depth of 4 to 8 inches. Blueberry roots are very shallow, so there is no need to till the soil to a great depth. Amend the soil two to three months before planting to allow time for the pH to stabilize.

Plant the shrubs in 4-inch-deep holes and approximately 2 to 3 feet apart in rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. Blueberries thrive in locations with full sun but can handle partial shade. While only the St. Cloud and Polaris varieties need more than one variety for cross-pollination, all of the low-bush varieties benefit when more than one variety is planted in the garden. Cross-pollination increases blueberry yield and fruit size.

Apply pine mulch, or similar, around each of the blueberry shrubs in the garden. The mulch should be approximately 3 to 4 inches thick. Pine mulch is naturally acidic, which will help keep the soil pH in the acidic range. Mulch also helps in moisture retention and weed control.

Place a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in a circle around each shrub approximately 12 inches from the base of the plant. If the soil test indicates high or low nutrient levels, adjust the fertilizer accordingly. Fertilizers are available in varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. In the second year after planting, apply fertilizer approximately 18 inches from the plant base and 36 inches in the subsequent year. Ideally, the soil should be tested each year to determine the appropriate fertilizer.