How to Grow Blueberries in Phoenix

Select the proper bush. For the climate in Phoenix, you'll need a dwarf variety that has a "low-chill" factor, such as the Sunshine Blue -- it reaches only 3 feet in height at maturity, and it requires 150 chill hours to set fruit.

Find a container that is at least 20 inches in diameter. If the chosen container does not have holes in the bottom, create them. Use a ¼-inch drill bit to make holes along the bottom of the planter, placing one hole every 6 inches to allow for adequate drainage.

Fill the container halfway with commercial potting soil. Place the blueberry shrub into the center of the container and check to be sure it is sitting at the same level as it was in its temporary container. Adjust the level of soil in the container to correct this, if necessary.

Add more soil to the container once the shrub is centered and set. Pause periodically to press lightly on the surface of the soil. This not only helps to hold the shrub in position, it aids in prevention of air pockets. When you are within 4 inches of the top of the planter, stop adding soil.

Water the newly planted shrub. Pour water around the base of the plant until fluid trickles out of the bottom of the planter. Check the soil every day, adding water as needed to maintain moist growing conditions. In a hot, dry area like Phoenix, blueberries may require daily watering.

Spread 3 inches of mulch around the base of the shrub. This will help the potting soil retain moisture. Keep the mulching materials well away from the base of the shrub, however, to prevent accidental overheating of the plant tissues.

Drag the pot to a sunny location. Blueberries require at least six hours of sunlight per day; however, in the extreme heat of the Phoenix summer, if they are placed where they receive no shade they may require additional water to stay healthy.

Fertilize the shrubs once a week for the duration of the growing season. Sprinkle ½-cup of water-soluble general-purpose fertilizer around the base of the plant and then water well. This dissolves the plant food, carrying the nutrients directly to the roots. Additionally, to help maintain the acidic conditions of the soil, ¼-cup of used coffee grounds can be spread around the base of the plant twice a month.