How to Grow Blueberries in Illinois

Select a planting area that has a well-draining loam type soil. Verify the area receives a minimum of six hours direct sunlight for best results.

Test the soil pH to verify the current level. Illinois soil tends to be alkaline and may require multiple amendments applications to get it into a pH range of 4.8 to 5.2. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH. Follow the package application rate based on the current pH.

Add 4 inches over the planting bed, and work it into the ground with a tiller. Let the soil rest during the winter season after making amendments.

Prepare the planting area in spring by digging a hole 2 inches deeper than the root ball and twice as wide. Place a 2-inch layer of acidic peat moss into the hole to help amend the alkaline Illinois soil.

Set the blueberry bush into the hole so the root ball is at ground level. Work an even amount of organic compost into the removed soil, and pack it around the root ball to hold the plant in place.

Apply water to the planting are to soak the soil and stimulate root growth. Prune one-half of the branch growth after planting to promote new, strong branches. Remove all blossoms that appear in the first two growing season to force the plant energy toward branch production.

Apply 1 to 2 inches of supplemental water each week during summer months to keep the soil moist. Avoid creating standing water around the blueberry stem.

Apply a 3-inch layer of acidic peat moss, sawdust or bark mulch around the plants to assist with soil moisture retention. Choose mulch that is acidic to help keep the alkaline Illinois soil at the proper pH. Refresh the mulch each spring for best results.

Apply an ammonium sulfate fertilizer to the soil around the blueberry bushes each spring after the first growing season. Ammonium sulfate helps increase soil acidity.

Install bird netting over the bushes as the blossoms appear on the bush to prevent damage to the plant and berry loss.