How to Grow Blueberries in the Pacific Northwest

Grow blueberry plants in your home garden in the Pacific Northwest, the area that includes the states of Oregon and Washington, to enhance the appearance of the landscape, save money and provide an abundance of fresh fruit. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest can enjoy the succulent fruit from June through September by planting varieties that mature at different times. Select Nelson, Powder Blue, Jersey or Collins for Oregon planting. In the cool climate of Washington, plant Patriot, Spartan, Darrow and Earliblue. Amend the soil with the proper amount of organic matter and nutrients to give the blueberry plants a head start.

Home soil test
Tiller
Shovel
Soaker hose
Pruning scissors
Organic mulch
Ammonium sulfate fertilizer
High nitrogen fertilizer
Bird netting

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil of the selected planting site. Blueberries thrive in organic, slightly acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Make sure the site receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Till the soil to a depth of 8 inches and add 1 to 1-1/2 lbs. of sulfur per 100 square feet.
- 2
  Dig an 18-inch wide and 24-inch-deep hole over the amended planting site in October or from March to April, using a shovel. Space multiple holes 4 feet apart, and maintain a spacing of 8 feet between rows.
- 3
  Remove a healthy 2-year-old blueberry plant from its nursery container and lower it into the hole. Make sure it lies up to ¾-inch deeper than the nursery container, as planting any deeper can smother the plant. Amend the size of the hole if necessary. Backfill each hole with soil to cover the roots, and tamp the surface to remove trapped air pockets.
- 4
  Water each plant thoroughly after planting, using a soaker hose. Blueberries are susceptible to drought injury because of their shallow roots, so provide young plants 1 to 2 inches of water every week. Reduce watering as necessary to account for rainfall.
- 5
  Prune back older branches by cutting up to 30 percent growth to encourage the plant to grow vigorously. Prune off flower buds after planting to prevent the blueberry from producing fruit during the first year. This practice helps it produce richer quality fruit the next year.
- 6
  Apply a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch such as bark or fir sawdust around each plant. Mulching keeps roots cool and prevents weeds from competing for soil nutrients and moisture. Increase mulch to a depth of 6 inches over the years.
- 7
  Feed each plant 1 oz. of ammonium sulfate fertilizer in end April or early May and 1 oz. of high nitrogen fertilizer in beginning June and end July. Spread the fertilizers evenly 1 foot from each plant to prevent direct contact.
- 8
  Drape bird netting over the blueberry bushes as the fruit begins to turn blue. Birds such as finches, robins and starlings feed on ripening berries.

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